Henry Nowak's death sparks UK protests and police scrutiny
On 3 December 2025 in Southampton, 18‑year‑old Polish student Henry Nowak was stabbed five times by 23‑year‑old Sikh Vickrum Digwa. After the attack Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused, leading police to handcuff and arrest the dying Nowak despite his repeated pleas of “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe”. Nowak later died from his injuries.
Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Body‑camera footage of the handcuffing triggered nationwide outrage, prompting protests in Southampton that turned violent, calls for a full investigation, and condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the police response; one officer has resigned while three remain as witnesses.
The incident has become a political flashpoint, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and other far‑right figures using the case to allege “two‑tier policing”, while officials stress the need for equal treatment under the law.