Two police officers involved in the case of Henry Nowak have been placed under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Nowak, 18, died in December 2025 after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton. Digwa falsely told police he had been the victim of a racist attack, leading officers to handcuff Nowak and treat him as a suspect, despite him saying he had been stabbed and could not breathe.
IOPC Changes Stance After Family Complaint
Initially, the IOPC had treated the officers as witnesses, indicating no possible wrongdoing. However, following meetings with Nowak's family and their lawyer, and a formal complaint, the watchdog revised its position. The IOPC will now investigate whether race or religion influenced the officers' actions, particularly regarding community tensions at the time.
Bodycam footage shows Digwa lying to police before his arrest. Police took eight minutes to discover Nowak's stab wound, evidence later revealed.
Potential Breaches of Professional Standards
The IOPC stated that evidence suggests both officers, who were first at the scene on 3 December 2025, may have breached professional behaviour standards regarding duties, use of force, and discreditable conduct. These include failures to recognise Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to act after he said he was stabbed, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid. One officer may also have breached standards of authority, respect, and courtesy by dismissing Nowak's claim of being stabbed.
Derrick Campbell from the IOPC said: “Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded. We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved. As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations.”
Public Confidence and Broader Issues
Campbell added: “There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence.” The IOPC will also examine why Nowak was handcuffed while Digwa was not when arrested for attempted murder after police realised Nowak had been stabbed. The watchdog aims to identify any needed changes to policies or procedures to improve police practice.
Digwa was convicted of Nowak's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. The sentence is being appealed by senior government law officers as unduly lenient.
