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Police have detained two individuals following clashes with law enforcement near the location where 18-year-old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed. The incident sparked tensions in Southampton, with protests erupting in the community. Darren Paffey, the Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, called for calm, emphasizing the importance of unity in the city. He stated, “Whipping up violence has no place in Southampton. I really would appeal for calm again we need to stay united as a city.”
The disturbances escalated on Tuesday evening when protesters threw objects at police officers near the home of Vickrum Digwa, the individual convicted of Nowak’s murder. Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after stabbing Nowak in December 2025. The crowd initially gathered outside Southampton’s police station before moving closer to Digwa’s family residence in St Denys. Paffey noted the impact of outsiders joining the unrest, saying, “Hordes of people came from outside the city. There were people saying they had travelled four hours to come and make their voices heard.” He also condemned the disorder for disturbing local residents.
Policing minister Sarah Jones spoke on BBC Breakfast, confirming the arrests, including one for assaulting an officer and another for possession of a weapon. She acknowledged the community’s emotional response but condemned the violent actions against the police: “Do I understand people’s emotions? Of course I do. But is it right that we turn that into hatred and division and that we turn on police – absolutely not.” The incident has raised scrutiny over police conduct, especially after officers arrested and handcuffed Nowak as he lay dying at the scene, mistakenly believing him to be the aggressor following claims made by Digwa.
In response to the events, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation, reviewing bodycam footage along with evidence presented during the trial. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary disclosed that one officer involved in the case has resigned, while three others remain on duty but are considered witnesses. Additionally, the force addressed online threats directed at an uninvolved officer who was misidentified. Digwa’s family released a statement expressing regret for the suffering caused to Nowak’s family and acknowledged the negative impact on the Sikh community. The IOPC is expected to provide a report on their findings within the coming three months
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