The Prime Minister has said he 'felt sick' after seeing police bodycam footage showing 18-year-old Henry Nowak handcuffed and ignored as he lay dying from a stab wound, as protests over his death descended into violence in Southampton.
Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, but the bodycam footage – released by police and analysed by BBC Verify – shows officers restraining him and failing to provide medical assistance as he bled to death. The Home Secretary condemned the 'hijacking' of the tragedy after protesters clashed with police, leaving 11 officers injured.
“The PM says he 'felt sick' at bodycam footage of Henry Nowak handcuffed and dying; protests in Southampton turn violent, with 11 police injured; a minister admits anti-racism police guidance is 'wrong'; killer's relatives appear in court.”
A minister has admitted that police anti-racism guidance is 'wrong' – guidance that lies at the heart of the controversy. The guidance came under scrutiny after footage emerged of Nowak being handcuffed and his pleas for help ignored. The Prime Minister said police have 'serious questions to answer'. The force involved has faced accusations of a 'cult of diversity and inclusion' from some commentators.
The protests, which took place in Southampton, saw hundreds gather, with marchers chanting 'F***ing scum' at police lines. Hard-right activists including Tommy Robinson, Laurence Fox, and Nick Tenconi were among the crowd, according to the Evening Standard. The Home Secretary accused them of hijacking the tragedy, while the Prime Minister acknowledged the 'legitimate concerns' over police conduct.
In a related development, Vickrum Digwa's father Moga Singh, 52, and brother Gurpreet Digwa, 27, appeared in court alongside the murderer facing six counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. They remain on bail.
The Home Secretary has announced a review into the police handling of the incident, acknowledging 'legitimate concerns' about the force's actions. The minister who admitted the anti-racism guidance was wrong said it would be rewritten. The Prime Minister said he expects the police to 'learn lessons' from this tragedy.
What This Means For You For the public, this case raises serious questions about police accountability and the treatment of victims. The review into police guidance could lead to changes in how officers handle suspects requiring medical attention. Homeowners and renters should be aware that community tensions may persist, with further protests possible. The case also highlights the role of far-right groups in exploiting tragedies, which could affect local community relations. For those concerned about policing standards, the government's commitment to a review may offer some reassurance, but the outcome remains to be seen.