Nowak family say police failed them multiple times
Summary
The family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student murdered in Southampton, say police gave them changing accounts and did not initially tell them that officers handcuffed him while he was dying. Hampshire’s chief constable apologized for the police response, while a police watchdog investigation is expected to conclude early next year and the UK government has announced an independent inquiry.Key Facts
- Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in Southampton on 3 December 2025 while walking home from a night out.
- Vickrum Digwa was convicted of Nowak’s murder and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 21 years.
- Body-camera footage shown at trial captured Nowak saying, “I've been stabbed”; an officer replied, “Don't think you have, mate.”
- Nowak’s family said they first saw the footage on the first day of Digwa’s trial.
- His father said police accounts changed over time, and the family said they felt they had not been told the truth.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Alexis Boon apologized and said police had failed Nowak when he needed them.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct said its investigation into possible police failures is expected to conclude early next year; the family said it had previously told them no officers would face a conduct or criminal investigation.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an independent inquiry into the murder, led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk.
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