Arrests Made Amid Protests Over Henry Nowak's Death
Two individuals have been arrested following clashes between protesters and police near the location where 18-year-old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed, according to the policing minister.
In response to the unrest, Darren Paffey, the Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, stated:
"Whipping up violence has no place in Southampton. I really would appeal for calm again we need to stay united as a city."
Protesters threw missiles at police on Tuesday evening near the residence of Nowak's killer, Vickrum Digwa, in St Denys. Digwa, aged 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday.
The demonstration began outside the city’s police station before the crowd moved closer to Digwa's family home.
Paffey referenced a statement made by Nowak's family on the steps of Southampton Crown Court:
"Henry's dad said they don't want his death to create further division, hatred or tension…and yet what we saw last night is entirely the opposite of that."
"Hordes of people came from outside the city. There were people saying they had travelled four hours to come and make their voices heard.
"People in their homes last night would have been really disturbed to see what was going on outside them."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the "unacceptable" violence directed at officers during the protest.
Policing minister Sarah Jones, speaking on BBC Breakfast, said:
"Two people have been arrested so far, one as I understand it for assaulting a police officer, and one for possession of a weapon.
"The police will be looking through footage to see whether they make more arrests.
"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."
Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Nowak, who was from Chafford Hundred in Essex, as he returned to his student accommodation in December 2025.
The clashes with police occurred amid heightened tensions and scrutiny over the officers’ handling of the incident, which included arresting and handcuffing Nowak while he was dying.
During the confrontation, chairs, cans, and flares were thrown at officers in riot gear, forcing them to withdraw.
At the initial protest outside the police station, political activist Tommy Robinson addressed the crowd.
Digwa stabbed Nowak with a large blade that he claimed to carry for religious reasons. He then falsely told police at the scene that he had been the victim of a racist attack, which led to officers arresting Nowak instead of Digwa.
Bodycam footage released this week showed Nowak repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed while he lay dying in handcuffs.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the police response.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented that there are "serious questions for police" following the release of the footage.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that one officer involved in the case has resigned, while the other three remain in service and are being treated as witnesses.
Earlier on Tuesday, the force reported that an officer not connected to the case had received death threats after being misidentified in online posts.
In a post on X, the force stated:
"We recognise the desire for answers about the police response that night"
"and warned people not to indulge in harmful online speculation."
The police watchdog is expected to provide a report on the case within the next three months.
The IOPC said investigators are reviewing a large volume of body-worn video footage as well as material presented during Digwa's trial.
A statement from Digwa's family expressed regret:
"For the pain and suffering the Nowak family has had to endure"
"and for bringing the Sikh community into disrepute."
During the protests, a demonstrator was pictured reacting after being sprayed by police near Portswood Police Station.
