The image of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old university student, handcuffed and dying on a Southampton street while his killer stood free has become a symbol of systemic injustice. Newly released police body-worn camera footage from the night of the stabbing exposes the stark contrast in how officers treated the two men, and raises urgent questions about racial bias and accountability in UK policing.
The footage, obtained by the BBC in June 2026, shows Vickrum Digwa, 23, lying repeatedly to officers after fatally stabbing Henry five times. Digwa claimed he had been “racially attacked”, that Henry was “obviously drunk”, and that he had punched him or that Henry fell over while climbing bins. He never mentioned the stabbing. Officers believed him and handcuffed Henry, who was bleeding to death, before realising he had a fatal chest wound. It took eight minutes for them to find the stab wound. Digwa was never handcuffed – not at the scene, nor during his four days in custody before being charged. Hampshire police later confirmed this in a statement to the BBC.
“Explains the Henry Nowak case and what bodycam footage reveals about policing, bias, and handcuffing disparities.”
Body-worn cameras have been rolled out across UK police forces over the past decade to increase transparency and hold officers accountable. In theory, they provide an unbiased record of interactions between police and the public. In practice, the Nowak case shows they can also expose uncomfortable truths about unconscious bias. The footage supports the Nowak family’s assertion that their son was treated “inhumanely and degradingly” while his murderer was shown “decency”. Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, contrasted his son’s treatment with the “decency” officers showed Digwa. The previous release of video showing Henry handcuffed had already sparked national outrage and violent disorder in Southampton.
For UK readers, the case matters because it undermines trust in the police, especially among minority communities. The footage shows an officer telling Digwa “I know, I know, I know” when he complained of being racially attacked, without questioning his story. It also shows Digwa’s father reassuring officers that his son had been assaulted. Meanwhile, Henry – who was from a Polish-British family – was handcuffed within minutes of officers arriving. The disparity raises questions about how race, class or perceived credibility influence police decision-making.
Q: Why was Henry Nowak handcuffed while his murderer was not? Police arrived to find Digwa claiming he had been racially attacked by a drunk man. They handcuffed Henry to control the situation, not realising he had been stabbed. Digwa, who claimed self-defence, was not considered a threat and was left free. The force later confirmed Digwa was never handcuffed during his arrest or subsequent custody.
Q: Are police allowed to handcuff someone who is injured? Yes, if officers believe the person poses a risk of violence or escape. However, guidelines require them to consider the person’s medical needs. In this case, the failure to promptly check Henry’s injuries – a fatal stab wound was not found for eight minutes – has been heavily criticised.
Q: What impact has the bodycam footage had? The footage has intensified calls for a public inquiry into police conduct and sparked violent protests in Southampton. It has also prompted Hampshire police to review their procedures for handling incidents involving minority victims and to improve first-aid training. The Independent Office for Police Conduct may launch an investigation.
What happens next: The Nowak family have demanded a full public inquiry into the police handling of the case. Hampshire police have apologised and begun reviewing their training on unconscious bias and emergency first aid. The Home Office is also under pressure to review national guidance on the use of handcuffs and the treatment of victims versus suspects.