Two officers investigated for gross misconduct after handcuffing dying teenager Henry Nowak

The fatal evening of December 3, 2025

Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was walking home from a football team night in Southampton when he was attacked by Vickrum Digwa, 23, a British Sikh. Digwa stabbed Nowak with a 21 cm knife and then falsely told police he had been the target of racist abuse, claiming Nowak had pulled off his turban. Officers arriving at the scene believed Digwa's story and handcuffed the dying teenager. Body-camera footage later showed Nowak pleading, "I can't breathe" and "I've been stabbed," while one officer responded, "Don't think you have, mate."

Investigation into two officers

On Wednesday the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced that two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct. The evidence indicates they may have breached professional behaviour standards on duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. The IOPC highlighted failures to recognise that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to act immediately after he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him rather than provide first aid. One officer also appears to have shown a lack of respect and courtesy by dismissing Nowak's claim of being stabbed.

Two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations. 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 role of race and religion

The watchdog is also examining whether the race or religion of Nowak or Digwa influenced the officers' actions. Digwa, a Sikh, had told police he had been the victim of a racist attack. Some commentators and far-right activists have seized on the case to argue that UK policing applies double standards, while Nowak's family and supporters have pointed to an apparent anti-white bias. One of the officers involved has since resigned from the force.

There are serious questions to answer, including how accusations of racism informed police decision-making.

Public outcry and political reaction

The release of the body‑camera footage during Digwa's trial triggered protests across Britain, some of which turned violent. Digwa was convicted of murder on June 1 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Outside court, Nowak's father Mark described the officers' treatment of his son as "inhumane and degrading". The IOPC initially treated the officers as witnesses, meaning they saw no possible wrongdoing, but reversed that position after meetings with Nowak's family and their formal complaint.

What happens next

The IOPC investigation will assess whether any officer should face disciplinary proceedings. Notices of gross misconduct do not guarantee sanctions, but the case has already widened to include scrutiny of the police control room's handling of the initial call. Prime Minister Starmer has demanded answers, and the watchdog says it will weigh the damage to public confidence as a key factor in its final decision.