BBC News Shropshire

The two police officers charged in connection with the death of Dalian Atkinson are to remain anonymous for the time being, despite a challenge from the press.

Former Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson died in August 2016 after being tasered and his family have hit out at the time taken to bring charges.

One officer has been charged with murder and the other with causing actual bodily harm.

At Birmingham Crown Court today Judge Simon Drew has ruled that we cannot disclose the names and addresses of the officers, after the defence claimed they could be at risk if their identities were known.

It turns out that risk assessments have been carried out, but these were unavailable in court.

The judge said ultimately granting the pair anonymity would be “almost unprecedented”, but that he had a duty to consider the submissions.

The matter will be discussed again in court on Wednesday.

Two police officers have appeared at Birmingham Crown Court this afternoon charged in connection with the death of former footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being tasered.

The ex-Aston Villa player died after being restrained by police officers at his father's house in Telford, Shropshire in 2016.

PA Media

There was a very long investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which passed on its files to the Crown Prosecution Service more than a year ago.

We now know officer A, as he's being described, from West Mercia Police, has now been charged with murder.

Officer B has been charged with causing actual bodily harm.

Mr Atkinson's family say they welcome - after such a long time - that the case will now go before a jury, but that they regret how long it's taken.

A flood warning has been issued for the River Dene at Walton in Warwickshire, with homes and businesses at risk of flooding.

Environment Agency

River levels are expected to remain high until Friday with rain forecast.

Less serious weather alerts are in place across the West Midlands.