Violent clashes erupted in Southampton on Tuesday after the release of police bodycam footage showing officers handcuffing a dying student who had been stabbed. Demonstrators threw bricks, bottles, and bins at police, prompting condemnation from Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood.
Incident Details
Eighteen-year-old Henry Nowak was stabbed to death in December 2023 by Vickrum Digwa, 23, using a ceremonial knife. When police arrived, Digwa falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse. The bodycam footage shows police accepting Digwa's account and handcuffing Nowak despite his pleas of 'I can't breathe'. One officer even said, 'Don't think you have, mate', after Nowak said he was stabbed. Nowak collapsed and died shortly after.
Sentencing and Reaction
Digwa was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison. Nowak's father described the police treatment as 'shocking' and 'inhumane'. The police force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the footage 'harrowing' and said the IOPC investigation was 'absolutely right'.
Political and Public Response
Far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson, seized on the case, claiming police treat white Britons as 'second-rate citizens'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized diversity policies, with Farage alleging a 'two-tier culture'. Protests saw thousands chanting 'Two-tier scum' and attacking police with bricks, flares, and a flaming bin. Elon Musk offered to fund a private prosecution against the police.
Digwa's family apologized to Nowak's family for the killing and bringing the Sikh community into disrepute. Digwa and his brother and father face additional weapons charges.
