Southampton murder of Henry Nowak fuels riots and police footage release

In November 2022, 18‑year‑old Anglo‑Polish student Henry Nowak was stabbed to death in Southampton by Vikrum Digwa, who used a traditional Sikh knife permitted under a religious exemption. Digwa was later convicted and sentenced to at least 21 years in prison.

Police body‑camera footage released weeks after the trial shows officers questioning Digwa's claim that he had been racially abused, with one officer responding, “I don’t think you have, mate,” when Nowak asserted he had been stabbed. Later footage records Digwa repeating false allegations of racism, to which an officer replied, “I know, mate, I know.” The release of the video has been criticized as staggered, potentially aiming to calm public reaction.

The murder sparked protests and riots in Southampton, where far‑right groups, including members of White Vanguard and Patriotic Alternative, gathered. Demonstrators hurled bricks and bins, injuring 11 police officers and a police dog. Public figures such as Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson commented on the unrest, and a teenage activist livestreamed the clashes. The incident has intensified debate over police handling, alleged bias, and far‑right mobilisation in the UK.