Full Breakdown
Murder of Henry Nowak: Body-cam footage triggers police conduct probe and political backlash
6/3/2026, 1:35:32 AM
The fatal stabbing and police response
On 3 December 2026, 18-year-old Henry Nowak, a first-year finance student at the University of Southampton, was stabbed five times while walking home in Southampton. The attacker, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, claimed he had been racially abused and that the victim had removed his turban. Body-camera footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service shows officers questioning Digwa, then turning to the bleeding Nowak, who repeatedly says “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe.” Despite his pleas, officers handcuff Nowak, lift his shirt briefly, and arrest him for assault while he lies on the ground. He becomes unresponsive a few minutes later and is later pronounced dead.
Legal outcomes for the perpetrator and his family
A Southampton Crown Court sentenced Digwa to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The judge noted that Digwa was sober and carried a large Sikh dagger, not a ceremonial kirpan, and that his actions “brought shame on his family, his community and his religion.” Digwa’s father, Moga Singh (52), and brother, Gurpreet Digwa (27), were charged with possession of multiple offensive weapons—including an extendable baton, knuckle-dusters, flick knife, sword, machete, axe and air rifle—and released on unconditional bail. Their mother, Kiran Kaur (53), was convicted of assisting an offender by hiding the blade and will be sentenced on 17 July.
Official statements & institutional reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the footage “really harrowing” and said it raised “serious questions for police.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” in public reaction and stressed that police must act “without fear or favour.” Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones ordered a review of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s control-room culture and officer training. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the handling of the incident.
Criticism & opposition
Opposition shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused the police of prioritising the alleged racism claim over saving Nowak’s life. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the episode as evidence of a “two-tier Britain,” saying the police were “more concerned by an accusation of racism than an act of murder.” Far-right activist Tommy Robinson organised a protest that escalated into clashes with riot police.
On-the-ground accounts
Mark Nowak, the victim’s father, told the court the contrast between his son’s treatment and Digwa’s was “unbearable,” adding that Henry “should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody.” His daughter Olivia described her brother as “the most wonderful, funny, handsome, kind, precious, smart boy” and said the family will “carry this grief every single day.”
Data & statistics
- Victim: Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred, Essex.
- Perpetrator: Vickrum Digwa, 23, Southampton resident.
- Weapon: 21 cm (8 in) blade carried in a sheath.
- Injuries: five stab wounds (two to the back of the legs, one to the face, one fatal chest wound).
- Sentencing: life imprisonment, minimum 21 years; family members facing multiple weapon-possession charges.
Conflicting reports & gaps
Most sources state that Nowak was stabbed five times, but one court transcript mentions “four times,” creating a minor discrepancy. Additionally, officers’ initial assessment that Nowak “had not been stabbed” contradicts the victim’s repeated pleas, a point under investigation by the IOPC.
Verbatim quotes
- “Really harrowing.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- “The police appeared more concerned with the accusation of racism… than they were with helping Henry.” — Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary
- “A white boy being handcuffed by police officers more concerned by an accusation of racism than an act of murder. This must be a turning point. White lives matter too.” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
- “You have brought shame on your family, your community and your religion.” — Judge William Mousley KC
- “This is not a case about Sikhism, this is not a case about racism, this is a case about murder.” — Prosecutor (Crown Prosecution Service)
- “The police in this country have a sacred duty to police without fear or favour. Everyone in this country is equal before the law.” — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
What’s next
The IOPC’s investigation remains ongoing, with expectations of a full report before the end of the year. Hampshire Police have pledged a cultural review of their control-room procedures. The sentencing of Kiran Kaur is scheduled for 17 July, and the Attorney General’s office is considering a review of Digwa’s sentence under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
