Prime Minister Raises Concerns Over Police Response in Henry Nowak Case
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that there are "serious questions for police" following the release of bodycam footage showing officers' response to the murder of teenager Henry Nowak.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced on Monday to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Nowak with a 21cm (8in) blade, which he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith.
Bodycam footage reveals the 18-year-old Southampton university student being handcuffed while repeatedly telling police "I can't breathe". This occurred after Digwa falsely claimed to officers at the scene that he was the victim of a racist attack.
Sir Keir emphasized the need to address the question of "how accusations of racism informed decision making."
Speaking to broadcasters, he described the bodycam footage as "really harrowing" and said he "felt sick watching it."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an investigation into the police force's actions is ongoing.
Sir Keir did not rule out a wider inquiry, stating,
"it's important the IOPC do their work at first, but I'm not saying there shouldn't be a wider inquiry. Of course I'm not".
Home Secretary and Political Reactions
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned a "dangerous undercurrent" in public reactions to crimes, which she said have led to threats against individuals.
She revealed that a police officer was "forced to relocate to protect himself and his family" after being wrongly identified online as involved in the case.
In a House of Commons address, Mahmood warned opposition MPs against politicizing the case.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed a sense of "cold rage" over Nowak's treatment, describing it as evidence of a "two-tier Britain." He stated,
"A false accusation of racism counted higher at that moment than someone that was dying."
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp commented in the House of Commons that the "police appeared more concerned with the accusation of racism… than they were with helping Henry."
Mahmood responded to broader allegations of preferential police treatment, asserting,
"The police in this country have a sacred duty to police without fear or favour. Everyone in this country is equal before the law."
The Prime Minister's official spokesman rejected the notion of "two-tier policing."
Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, a Sikh himself, accused Reform UK and other far-right parties of scapegoating the Sikh community "based on the actions of one violent murderer."
Legal and Community Responses
The Attorney General's office is reviewing Digwa's sentence after receiving "multiple requests" under the unduly lenient sentence (ULS) scheme.
Current legislation provides a legal defence for practising Sikhs to carry a small, curved blade called a kirpan close to their body for religious reasons.
While Digwa wore a traditional kirpan under his clothing, the weapon used to stab Nowak was significantly larger and worn in a sheath over his clothes.
Digwa's family issued an apology to Nowak's family and expressed regret for bringing the Sikh community into "disrepute." An unnamed family member stated,
"We love Vickrum. We will continue to love him. That love does not stand in opposition to the sorrow we feel for the Nowak family. Both are real, and both will remain with us for the rest of our lives."
Mahmood echoed the prosecutor's remarks, emphasizing,
"This is not a case about Sikhism, this is not a case about racism, this is a case about murder."
Nowak's family described his treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading," and the police force has issued an apology.
Mark Nowak, Henry's father, stated,
"Henry told officers that he could not breathe nine times. He told them that he had been stabbed four times. Henry was pulled across the gravel, his hands forced behind his back and he was placed in handcuffs."
He added that the difference in treatment between his son and Digwa was "unbearable," concluding,
"Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody."
Police and Official Responses
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that three officers involved remain in service, while one has resigned.
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has requested a review of the police force's control room culture and performance, as well as the training of officers who responded to the stabbing.
Details from Bodycam Footage
The bodycam footage begins with a police officer arriving at the scene and asking, "What's your name, mate?" Nowak, lying on his back, faintly replies, "Henry."
Digwa then enters the frame, alleging that Nowak had removed his turban and grabbed him by the hair.
The officer asks Digwa, "Are you injured?" to which Digwa replies, "Yeah, yeah, I've got a swollen eye here, a little bruise here."
Officers then focus on Nowak, who repeats, "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe" while being made to sit up for handcuffing.
The officer questions, "You've been stabbed, whereabouts?" then adds, "Don't think you have, mate."
Nowak says "I can't breathe" three more times during handcuffing.
The officer states, "He says he's been stabbed, so let's just check him," briefly lifting Nowak's shirt near the belt area before Nowak is left lying on his side.
A female officer asks, "Where do you think he's been stabbed? In the face?" and a male voice replies, "He hasn't been stabbed."
Nowak, appearing unresponsive, is then informed he is being arrested for assault.
Judicial Remarks and Public Reaction
Judge William Mousley KC, in sentencing remarks, stated that regardless of how quickly Nowak received first aid, CPR, or expert medical treatment, he would not have survived due to the severity of his injuries.
On Tuesday evening, approximately 250 to 300 people gathered outside Southampton Police station, including far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Some attendees held signs and waved union jack flags while police officers formed a line blocking access to the station steps.
Charges Against Digwa's Family Members
Separately, Digwa's father Moga Singh, 52, and brother Gurpreet, 27, appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon facing multiple charges for possession of offensive weapons in a private place. The weapons included an extendable baton, knuckle dusters, flick knife, sword, and machete.
Gurpreet Digwa faces additional charges for possessing offensive weapons in public, including an axe and a prohibited weapon, an air rifle.
Both Moga Singh and Gurpreet Digwa were released on unconditional bail.
Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender after attempting to conceal the blade used in the attack. She is scheduled for sentencing on 17 July.
Additional reporting by Curtis Lancaster and Peter Cooke
