Hampshire police officers face misconduct probe after handcuffing stabbed student Henry Nowak

Two Hampshire police officers are subject to a gross misconduct investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after they handcuffed 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak at a Southampton hospital. Nowak, a first‑year finance student, had told officers he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe, but officers failed to recognise his need for urgent medical attention and did not provide first aid before restraining him. He died shortly thereafter.

The stabbing was carried out by 23‑year‑old Vickrum Digwa, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The IOPC is examining whether the officers breached professional standards on duties, use of force and possible bias. IOPC director Derrick Campbell said the investigation will assess any indications of misconduct and its impact on public confidence in the force. Protests erupted after footage of the incident was released, leading to arrests and injuries among police officers.