Full Breakdown
Tragic Death of Henry Nowak in Police Custody Sparks National Outcry
6/3/2026, 11:39:20 AM
Incident Overview
On June 2 2026, 18-year-old Southampton student Henry Nowak was handcuffed after a stabbing outside a bar. Body-camera footage shows him repeatedly pleading “I can’t breathe” while officers placed him on the ground, secured his hands behind his back, and attempted CPR. He had stab wounds to both legs and a fatal wound to the heart caused by a 21 cm blade. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years.
Background and Legal Context
Digwa claimed the blade was part of his Sikh faith, describing it as a “shastar” rather than a traditional kirpan. Under current UK law, Sikhs may carry a small curved blade (kirpan) for religious purposes, but Digwa’s weapon was larger and sheathed on his clothing, prompting the Attorney General’s office to receive multiple requests to review the sentence under the unduly-lenient-sentence scheme. The Sikh community condemned the killing and clarified that Digwa’s weapon was not a kirpan, announcing plans to address kirpan rules with the broader Sikh population.
Body-Cam Footage and Immediate Response
The video captures officers questioning Nowak (“You’ve been stabbed, whereabouts?”) and responding dismissively (“Don’t think you have, mate”). While handcuffed, Nowak repeats “I can’t breathe” three more times. A female officer asks, “Where do you think he’s been stabbed? In the face?” and a male officer replies, “He hasn’t been stabbed.” Deputy Chief Constable Robert France noted that CPR began within three minutes, but a pathologist later confirmed that the internal bleeding was too extensive for any intervention to succeed.
Official Statements & Responses
Police issued an apology for the handling of the incident. Deputy Chief Constable France expressed sorrow, calling the event “a complete tragedy” and acknowledging the inability to save Nowak. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation, with director Derrick Campbell stating the force has released limited body-worn footage and is reviewing all evidence. The Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were slated to comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Political leaders condemned the incident. Sir Keir Starmer labeled it “an awful, shocking case” and urged action against knife crime. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for “pure cold rage” in response. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described the murder as “evil… made so much worse by the police response.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned that Farage’s remarks deepened divisions, emphasizing that police must treat everyone equally regardless of race. Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones called the death a “national tragedy.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Discrepancies exist between officers’ assertions that Nowak “hasn’t been stabbed” and forensic evidence confirming multiple stab wounds. The pathologist’s conclusion that nothing could have saved Nowak contrasts with police claims of prompt CPR. Legal classification of Digwa’s blade remains contested, with authorities debating whether it falls under kirpan exemptions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't breathe” — Henry Nowak, victim
- “This an awful, shocking case.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party
- “We have received multiple requests for Vickrum Digwa's sentence to be considered under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.” — Attorney General’s Office spokesperson
- “We acknowledge that this case has raised questions about the actions of the attending officers and we are aware that a few minutes of police body-worn footage has been issued by the force following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.” — Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director
- “Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said it was "an evil murder made so much worse by the police response".” — Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader
What’s Next
The IOPC investigation will continue reviewing body-worn footage and additional evidence. The Attorney General’s office will decide whether to refer Digwa’s sentence for review. Parliamentary committees are expected to examine police use-of-force protocols, and the Home Office may consider legislative clarification on religious blades. Public pressure remains high as families, community groups, and political leaders call for systemic reforms.
