Violent protests have erupted in the UK city of Southampton following the release of harrowing bodycam footage showing the arrest of 18-year-old stabbing victim Henry Nowak as he bled to death, falsely accused of racism by his murderer. The footage, released by Hampshire Police, has sparked widespread outrage and led to clashes between protesters and police.
Background of the Case
Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh man, has been jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of murder and carrying a knife in public. The attack occurred in December last year when Digwa stabbed Henry Nowak, a first-year finance student, five times with an eight-inch ceremonial blade as the teen walked home from a night out with his football team.
Bodycam Footage Details
The three-minute bodycam video shows officers arriving at the scene and finding Henry Nowak on the ground, repeatedly saying "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe." Instead of providing immediate medical assistance, officers sided with Digwa and his family, who falsely claimed that Nowak had racially abused and assaulted them. One officer is heard telling the dying teen, "You've been stabbed? Whereabouts? I don't think you have, mate."
Police then handcuffed Nowak behind his back as he gasped for air, pleading "I can't breathe." His final words were "Please, brother, I can't breathe" before he lost consciousness. Officers belatedly realized the severity of his injuries and attempted first aid, but Nowak was pronounced dead at 12:37 am.
Protests and Riots
Outrage over the officers' actions, now under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has been seized upon by far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson, who spoke at a rally in Southampton claiming police treat white British people as "second-rate citizens." More than a thousand protesters gathered outside the main police station, chanting "two-tier scum" and "shame on you," waving British and English flags.
Protesters later marched to the St Denys residential area, where they attacked riot police with bricks, bottles, flares, and a flaming bin. Police used spray and riot shields to control the crowd. American tech tycoon Elon Musk offered to fund a private prosecution against the police.
Political Reactions
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violence, stating, "The scenes this evening in Portswood are completely unacceptable." She urged the public not to let the tragedy "turn communities against one another." Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the bodycam footage "harrowing" and supported the IOPC investigation. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for changes to police diversity policies, with Farage alleging a "two-tier culture."
Family's Grief
Henry Nowak's father, Mark, broke down in tears, saying, "As a father, it is my job to protect my child, and I failed to keep him safe." He described his son's treatment as "degrading" and "inhumane," adding, "Henry did not die with dignity."
Legal and Community Impact
Digwa's family apologized to the Nowak family, stating they brought the Sikh community into "disrepute." The Sikh Federation noted that the wider Sikh community has faced abuse and hate during the trial. Judge Mousley KC remarked that Digwa's actions "stirred up racial tension" and brought shame upon his family, community, and religion.
Hampshire Police apologized for arresting Nowak, with Deputy Chief Constable Robert France saying, "I am deeply sorry that Henry could not be saved." He explained that officers responded to a confusing situation and that Nowak's injuries were internal and unsurvivable. One of the four officers present has resigned.
