An officer linked to the Henry Nowak case has stepped down.
The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa in Southampton on December 3, 2025. Distressing footage captures the moment he was handcuffed while succumbing to his injuries.
Digwa provided false information to the authorities, alleging he was a victim of a racially motivated assault. He was recently found guilty of murder.
A representative from Hampshire Police today verified that one of the officers associated with the case has resigned. They stated: “Three officers remain on duty, while one has resigned. According to the IOPC, all officers are considered witnesses and are not currently under any restrictions.”
In body camera recordings from the scene, Mr. Nowak can be heard repeatedly stating: “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer responds: “Don’t think you have, mate.”
Sir Keir Starmer expressed feeling “sick” after witnessing the footage of Mr. Nowak being handcuffed, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing how allegations of racism influenced law enforcement decisions in this matter.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is anticipated to release a report on the incident in the next three months. Investigators are reviewing extensive body camera footage and evidence presented during Digwa’s trial.
Sir Keir added: “It is crucial that the IOPC thoroughly examines this case. There are evident serious concerns that must be addressed, especially regarding the impact of racism allegations on decision-making in this case.”
Digwa has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for using a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade to stab Mr. Nowak. The weapon was identified in court as a “Sikh dagger.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing the Commons, emphasized the importance of preventing community divisions following the tragic incident. She condemned the perpetrators of the crime without implicating others based on their faith or ethnicity.
Mark Nowak, the father of Mr. Nowak, urged against exploiting his son’s death to fuel further discord, animosity, or unrest after Digwa’s sentencing.
