Death of Henry Nowak sparks controversy over UK police conduct

In December 2025, 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in Southampton. Police responded to the scene, placed Nowak in handcuffs after the alleged attacker, Vickrum Digwa, identified him as a “racist”, and ignored his pleas for help. Nowak’s last words were recorded as, “Please, brother, I can’t breathe”, to which an officer replied, “I don’t think you have, mate”. He died at the scene.

The incident has been cited by far‑right activist Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon (Tommy Robinson) as evidence of “institutional racism” against whites, mirroring language used in debates over police bias. Commentators on various platforms have also framed the case as a symptom of a “woke” police culture, arguing that ideological pressures hinder effective law‑enforcement.

The controversy has reignited public discussion about police procedures, accountability, and the politicisation of race‑related terminology in the United Kingdom.