Police officers took eight minutes to find the stab wound that killed Henry Nowak after they had arrested the dying teenager, newly disclosed evidence reveals. Sickening police bodycam footage showed Henry, 18, saying 'I can't breathe' as officers cuffed him. At one point, the victim said 'I've been stabbed' to which an officer replied: 'Don't think you have, mate.'
Killer Jailed for Life
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life earlier this month with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Henry six times in Southampton. Digwa lied to police attending the scene on December 3, 2025, claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack.
A newly released transcript of the full recording of the police body-worn footage obtained by the BBC reveals the panic of the officer who detained him when he realised Henry was indeed seriously injured.
Footage Reveals Panic
Three minutes after arriving, Henry is lying in a gravel drive and has become silent and still, causing officers to grow increasingly anxious. They call for paramedics or an armed response vehicle with defibrillators and officers with enhanced first-aid skills. The officers accidentally hit Henry's head on a wall as he’s lifted, before a female officer begins CPR before the male arresting officer takes over.
A colleague calls an ambulance, explaining the victim is 'unconscious', only for the male officer to explain that the situation is much more serious saying: 'He's not unconscious mate, he's not breathing.' Henry is described as appearing 'lifeless' before resuscitation efforts are resumed. Medics are now giving officers advice over the phone, telling them to 'push, push, push' before a female officer takes over CPR.
Stab Wound Discovered
The female officer asks a colleague to shine a torch on Henry, saying: 'I just want to make sure he hasn't been stabbed.' She then calls for scissors to cut away the victim's top as officers see South Coast Ambulance Service on the street and continue CPR until the medics are ready to step in. The officers pause CPR as the rest of Henry’s clothing is removed. It is at this point that the extent of Henry's injuries finally begins to become more apparent.
The male officer asks: 'Has he got a stab wound there?' His colleague confirms that he does. At this point, a paramedic arrives and the male police officer explains they have 'just discovered a stab wound' in Henry's chest. About nine minutes after police arrive on scene, the transcript ends at approximately 23.46 GMT on 3 December 2025, as SCAS staff step in. Medics fought to save Henry for another 51 minutes. His time of death was recorded as 00:37 on 4 December, 2025.
Judge's Comments
Trial judge Judge William Mousley KC said: 'The genuine shock to the particular police officer, when he realised that he had been giving CPR to Henry when he had a serious chest wound tends to show that he was doing his best in a very difficult situation.' Police said the pathologist who spoke in court was clear 'there was nothing officers could have done that day to save Henry' as his fatal wound had caused 'extensive' internal bleeding.
Family Response
Henry's dad Mark Nowak said after sentencing that it was 'unbearable' to see how his son had been treated by police in comparison with his killer, but he added: 'We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.' Hampshire Police apologised to Henry's family for the way he was treated at the scene. Chief Constable Alexis Boon said of the footage: 'What was filmed there is a tragedy, an absolute tragedy. You can't help but be affected by it. It's very difficult to watch. I really feel for the family.' The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the actions of the officers involved.
