Southampton protests over Henry Nowak murder result in 14 men charged with violent disorder

Protests erupted in Southampton after body‑cam footage showed 18‑year‑old student Henry Nowak being handcuffed moments before he was stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. The demonstrations turned violent, with protesters hurling wheelie bins, chairs and other objects, injuring eleven police officers and a police dog.

Police have now charged a total of 14 men with violent disorder. The most recent charges include Darren Medhurst (36), Jordan Hambleton (19) and Callum Darch (27). Earlier arrests involved Kevin Reeves, Andrew Riddett, Harry Varney, Dillon Crawford, Taylor Grundy and others, many of whom have been remanded in custody and are due to appear before Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The incident has prompted an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into Hampshire Police’s handling of the case, while Chief Constable Alexis Boon has apologised to the victim’s family. Henry Nowak’s father asked that the tragedy not be used to fuel further division. Far‑right activists, including Tommy Robinson, also attended the protests, which have raised questions about policing and public order in the UK.