Lead

Two police officers involved in the arrest of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December 2025, have been placed under investigation for potential gross misconduct. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced on Wednesday that it is examining whether race or religion affected the officers' actions, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Guardian.

Nowak died after being stabbed multiple times while walking back to his student accommodation alone. Vickrum Digwa, who was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder, falsely told police at the scene that he had been the victim of a racist attack. Officers accepted Digwa's account and treated Nowak as a suspect rather than a victim, despite Nowak's repeated pleas that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian reported that police officers took about eight minutes to discover Nowak's stab wound, citing newly released evidence. A three-minute police body-worn video, released by the Crown Prosecution Service, shows Nowak being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious. The footage led to violent protests in the city.

Al Jazeera and The Guardian both noted that the case has triggered claims from the far right that Nowak's treatment stemmed from an anti-white bias. The IOPC's investigation will look into "whether the race or religion of either Henry or the Digwa family impacted on the actions and decision-making of the officers," and whether officers' decisions were influenced by assumptions or prejudice relating to community tensions at the time.

The IOPC initially treated the officers as witnesses, indicating that no wrongdoing was suspected. However, following meetings with Nowak's family and their lawyer, and a formal complaint from the family, the watchdog changed its stance, as reported by The Guardian.

Key Claims

  • Two police officers have been placed under investigation for potential gross misconduct by the IOPC, according to both Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
  • The IOPC is investigating whether race or religion impacted any of the officers' actions, as reported by both outlets.
  • Vickrum Digwa falsely told police he had been the victim of a racist attack, a claim carried by both Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
  • The body-worn video showed Nowak being handcuffed and his pleas for help going unanswered, as reported by The Guardian.
  • The footage led to violent protests in the city, according to The Guardian.
  • The IOPC's statement indicated that the officers may have breached professional standards, including duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct, as quoted by Al Jazeera and confirmed by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Police Watchdog (IOPC)

The IOPC said in a statement that the evidence indicates both officers may have breached professional behavior standards. The potential failures include not recognizing that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, not acting immediately after he said he had been stabbed and couldn't breathe, and deciding to arrest and handcuff him rather than provide first aid. The watchdog also noted that one officer may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect, and courtesy for appearing to dismiss Nowak's claim that he had been stabbed.

Authorities and Courts

The Crown Prosecution Service released the transcript and footage, which revealed the officers' delayed discovery of the stab wound. The sentencing of Digwa to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years was reported by The Guardian, and the far-right claims of anti-white bias were noted by both Al Jazeera and The Guardian.