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A formal review has been initiated into Hampshire Police’s response to violent incidents following the tragic death of Henry Nowak. The 18-year-old university student was fatally stabbed in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed to the police that he had been targeted in a racially motivated attack. During the chaotic scene, Hampshire officers mistakenly arrested Nowak, putting him in handcuffs while he was seriously injured and ultimately dying.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) will conduct a thorough evaluation of the police force’s procedures, training programs, and the support systems in place to ensure officers can make impartial and effective decisions. This examination was requested by Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, who emphasized the importance of public trust in the police. She stated, “This inspection will provide an independent assessment of the force’s training, processes and culture, including the handling of allegations of racially aggravated assault.” Jones also highlighted the need for transparency and reassurance, adding that “Henry’s family deserve answers, and the public deserve reassurance that their police service is equipped to recognise victims and provide the highest standard of care when it matters most.”
Henry Nowak, originally from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was in his first year at the University of Southampton when he was killed. Digwa received a life sentence in June, with a minimum term of 21 years after the court dismissed his self-defence claims. Video footage showing Nowak in handcuffs while dying caused widespread public outrage and unrest in Southampton. The case has since triggered broader national discussions on policing practices, racial issues, and knife crime legislation.
The ongoing inspection will scrutinize the entire police response from the moment calls are received in the control room, through dispatch, to officers’ initial attendance at serious violence incidents. Particular focus will be placed on training related to decision-making and risk assessment to ensure officers can act without bias and provide urgent assistance such as first aid when necessary. Donna Jones expressed the need for confidence in police capabilities, saying, “The public must have confidence that police officers receive the right information, the right training and the right support to make critical decisions.” It is important to note that this review will not cover the conduct of individual officers involved in the December 3 incident, as that matter remains under separate investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct
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