Two Hampshire police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct after bodycam footage showed an 18-year-old student, who had just been stabbed, handcuffed and dying on the pavement. Henry Nowak, a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton, had told officers he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe. Instead of receiving first aid, he was restrained in handcuffs as he lay dying.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the inquiry into the officers’ behaviour on 3 December last year, when Nowak was fatally attacked by Vickrum Digwa, 23, in Southampton. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment last month after a court heard he told police a “wicked lie” that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
“Two officers face gross misconduct probes after handcuffing stabbed 18-year-old Henry Nowak as he lay dying.”
Nowak’s murder sparked intense protests throughout Southampton after the publication of police bodycam footage showing the teenager being handcuffed. Now, the IOPC is examining whether race or religion influenced the officers’ decision-making. One of the officers is being investigated for potentially breaching conduct standards by dismissing Nowak’s claim that he had been stabbed. According to the IOPC, evidence indicates both may have violated professional standards relating to duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct.
“We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Henry’s family and friends,” said IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell. “There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident… The serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”
Henry’s family, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, has been notified of the decision to commence an investigation. Nowak was a first-year student at the University of Southampton.