Full Breakdown
Henry Nowak’s Death, Police Handcuffing and the Political Controversy
6/5/2026, 5:06:42 AM
The Stabbing, Police Action and Public Reaction
In December 2025, 18-year-old finance student Henry Nowak was stabbed on a Southampton street by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who identified as Sikh. Digwa claimed a racist attack; police handcuffed the bleeding Nowak, who repeatedly said “I can’t breathe”; an officer replied “I don’t think you have, mate”. Nowak died at the scene. Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a 21-year minimum. Body-cam audio recorded nine “I can’t breathe” utterances. A dozen officers were injured when several hundred protesters clashed with riot police, throwing bins and bricks. The IOPC inquiry is due within three months.
Context and Policy Debate
The case revived scrutiny of the National Police Chiefs Council’s anti-racism guidance, which advises officers to consider ethnicity. Media and politicians linked the footage to the 2020 killing of George Floyd, reigniting debate over “two-tier” policing claims.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he “felt sick” watching the video and condemned the violence, urging calm. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the unrest “completely unacceptable”. The NPCC said it was reviewing its anti-racism commitments after parliamentary pressure. Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones announced a review of control-room culture and officer training.
Criticism & Opposition
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage urged “pure cold rage”, calling the case evidence of a “two-tier Britain”. Conservative MP James Cleverly said police were “more concerned with the accusation of racism than the pleas of a dying man”. The Sikh Federation UK warned that far-right rhetoric was “dragging the Sikh community as a whole into this”. Former senior officer Neil Basu called Farage’s remarks “inflammatory”. MPs including Kemi Badenoch and Starmer criticised him for ignoring the family’s request not to politicise the tragedy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of stab wounds (four versus five) and on whether officers acted out of fear of racism accusations or simple error. The precise influence of anti-racism guidelines on the decision to handcuff Nowak remains under investigation, with the IOPC yet to release its findings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “felt sick watching it” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- “What does he [Nowak] say? ‘I can't breathe.’ Familiar words?” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
- “not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.” — Mark Nowak, father of Henry Nowak
- “What we don't need is rage, because what rage will do is cause someone else's child to get hurt.” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative MP
What’s Next
The IOPC report is due within three months, and the NPCC has pledged to review its anti-racism guidance. Parliamentary committees may examine policing policies while community groups call for measures to prevent further escalation.
