The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that two Hampshire police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct following the death of murdered student Henry Nowak. The 18-year-old University of Southampton student was handcuffed in his final moments after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa.
Officers accused of failing to provide medical care
The IOPC stated that the officers are being probed for their alleged failure to recognise that Nowak needed urgent medical attention after the stabbing. Additionally, one officer may have breached standards relating to authority, respect, and courtesy for dismissing Nowak's claims that he had been stabbed. Bodycam footage captured Nowak repeatedly telling officers, 'I've been stabbed,' and 'I can't breathe,' to which an officer responded, 'You've been stabbed? Whereabouts? I don't think you have, mate.'
Murderer sentenced to life imprisonment
Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for Nowak's murder. The sentence has been referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Scheme. After stabbing Nowak, Digwa falsely claimed he was the victim, alleging that Nowak had called him a racial slur and knocked his turban off. Nowak suffered two stab wounds to the back of his legs and a fatal wound to his heart. He was pronounced dead at the scene on December 4, 2025.
Police chief apologises to family
Chief Constable Alexis Boon, head of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, apologised to Nowak's family for the officers' actions. 'I want to say to [Henry's] family, we understand, we get it, we know why they are so distraught and upset, which is why we made the apologies,' he said. 'It is a tragedy from start to finish and I'm really pleased to see that the killer was sentenced to life imprisonment. Our officers conducted an investigation that resulted in that. I'm hopeful that is some degree of comfort for the families, but they will, as they have been saying, be dealing with this for the rest of their lives.'
Riots erupt after sentencing
Following Digwa's sentencing, riots erupted in Southampton, leading to multiple arrests. Protesters gathered outside Southampton Police Station before moving towards the killer's house. The IOPC investigation continues as authorities review the officers' conduct.
