A relative of former Ipswich Town star Dalian Atkinson has claimed police would not have Tasered him if they had known his medical history.

Speaking to the media at a police cordon in Meadow Close, Telford, Fabian Atkinson said his uncle had recently battled through kidney problems, undergoing dialysis.

Mr Atkinson, who last saw the ex-footballer three weeks ago, told reporters: “He had some health issues that he was trying to get through and that’s why his heart was weak.

“When a Taser is deployed, as soon as a Taser is deployed, they need to automatically call an ambulance. How do they know the health of the guy or the girl that they are affecting?”

He said his uncle was a compassionate person and agreed with descriptions of him as a “gentle giant” who had inspired others and wanted them to do well in life.

Asked how other family members were coping with news of the death, his nephew said: “How do you think they feel? You have just lost a part of you.”

The 31-year-old called for police to deploy negotiators or call in family members in domestic situations, adding: “They have to get an ambulance straight away. That’s what I think.

“Nobody deserves being Tasered and processed in such a way.”

He stressed that he did not know the full story of what had happened but said a family argument may have led to police being called.

Commenting on his uncle’s medical history, Mr Atkinson added: “If they (the police) knew that, I don’t think they would have used a Taser.”