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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has confirmed the initiation of an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Henry Nowak. Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was fatally stabbed in Southampton last December by Vickrum Digwa. Digwa had erroneously claimed that he was racially abused and acted in self-defence; nevertheless, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on 1 June, with a minimum term of 21 years.
The incident gained considerable attention after police bodycam footage emerged showing Nowak being handcuffed while he lay dying, raising serious questions about the conduct of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. This footage intensified public discourse on issues related to knife crime, race relations, policing practices, and trust in law enforcement. The review, welcomed by Henry Nowak’s family, will be spearheaded by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC.
During a statement in the House of Commons, Mahmood emphasized the importance of uncovering the full facts of what transpired before, during, and after the fatal night. She stressed that the investigation aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future by thoroughly examining the knowledge authorities had about Digwa, whether there were missed chances to intervene, and assessing the support given to Nowak’s family throughout the justice process. The Home Office outlined that the review will proceed in two stages.
The first phase will focus on various institutions such as the police, health services, local councils, schools, and faith organizations to determine if any warning signs related to weapon possession or violent tendencies were overlooked. It will scrutinize whether opportunities existed to stop the murder. The second phase will commence after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) finalizes its investigation concerning police officers’ actions at the scene. It will also review the IOPC’s procedures and, if necessary, consider further police conduct. The IOPC had launched its inquiry following the release of bodycam footage revealing that Nowak was handcuffed and left on the floor bleeding, despite informing officers of his critical injuries. Although the sentencing judge ruled that Nowak’s injuries were beyond recovery irrespective of treatment speed, the investigation persists.
The Nowak family described the announcement as a crucial step in their pursuit of justice. “We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for,” they stated. They also expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the criminal justice system and their resolve to ensure no other family undergoes what they have endured.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed support for the review, highlighting the need for accountability for those who failed Henry and his family. The findings of the review are expected to be published in five months.
Henry Nowak hailed from Chafford Hundred in Essex and was in his first year studying accountancy and finance at the University of Southampton when he was killed. On the night of the incident, it was Digwa’s brother who contacted emergency services, alleging that Vickrum Digwa had been racially attacked. Police bodycam footage, released with permission from Nowak’s family, showed officers speaking to Digwa and others while Nowak was lying injured on the ground. Throughout the recordings, Nowak could be heard repeatedly stating that he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe. The release of this footage provoked violent disturbances in Southampton in the ensuing days. Following Digwa’s sentencing, Nowak’s father Mark called for a “full, fearless and transparent” investigation into the police’s response but also urged the public not to exploit his son’s death to fuel division, hatred, or tension
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