Independent review announced into murder of student Henry Nowak
The UK Home Secretary has ordered an independent review into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was stabbed in Southampton. The review will examine police conduct, including the use of handcuffs on the victim, and potential missed opportunities to prevent the crime.
Why it matters
The case has sparked national debate in the UK regarding knife crime, racial bias in policing, and public trust in law enforcement.
Image source, Handout Image caption, Henry Nowak was 18 when he was stabbed to death in Southampton in December 2025
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the the murder of Henry Nowak.
The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December by Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed he had been racially abused and had acted in self-defence. Digwa was jailed for life on 1 June, with a minimum term of 21 years.
Following the teenager's murder, police bodycam footage of him being handcuffed as he lay dying led to intense scrutiny of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and sparked wider debates around knife laws, race, policing and public trust.
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