Southampton student Henry Nowak murder leads to police resignation and PM criticism

On 3 December 2025, 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed while walking home in Southampton. The attacker, 23‑year‑old Vickrum Digwa, claimed he was carrying a ceremonial Sikh dagger and falsely alleged a racist assault. Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Body‑worn and CCTV footage showed Nowak, handcuffed by police, repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed before he died. The graphic video provoked public outrage.

In the wake of the footage, one Hampshire police officer resigned. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he "felt sick" watching the video, calling for answers about how accusations of racism influenced police decisions. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the crime while urging community cohesion.