Hampshire Police warned by CPS over trial statement in Henry Nowak murder case

Eighteen‑year‑old student Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who used a Sikh ceremonial knife. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. During the trial, Hampshire Police prepared a public statement to counter online misinformation, but the Crown Prosecution Service cautioned that releasing it could undermine the integrity of the proceedings. Police initially issued a statement that suggested Nowak had been the aggressor, later revising it after family outrage. Body‑worn footage showing officers handcuffing the dying Nowak sparked public anger and led to protests, after which eleven people were charged. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the force’s handling of the case, including the failure to confiscate Digwa’s dagger at arrest. The controversy has drawn commentary from the UK Prime Minister, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who linked the incident to broader political debates.