A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old university student described by his heartbroken family as an 'all-round top lad'.
Charges Laid in Wake of Tragic Attack
Henry Nowak, a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton, was killed during an incident on Belmont Road in the Portswood area of Southampton. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening while he was on a night out celebrating with his new football teammates.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the young student suffered a fatal puncture wound to his chest, as well as two wounds to the back of his leg. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The police have now charged Vickrum Digwa, 22, of St Denys Road, Southampton, with murder. Digwa, who is British and of Asian ethnicity, also faces a charge of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
In a related development, Kiran Kaur, 52, also of St Denys Road, has been charged with assisting an offender. Both individuals are scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 8.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Family Tributes
The investigation remains active. A 51-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Additionally, a 26-year-old man was released with no further action regarding the murder offence but was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a public order offence. He too has been bailed.
In a poignant statement released through the police, Henry Nowak's family paid tribute to their beloved son. They described him as a kind, intelligent, and talented young man who had excelled in his A-levels and was fully embracing university life.
"He’d smashed his A-levels and was fully embracing university life, joining not one but two football teams, making new friends as well as working part-time," the statement read. "Henry was loved by all those that knew him. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate."
The family expressed their profound grief, stating their world would never be the same without him and mourning the bright future that had been brutally cut short.
University and Community Reaction
The University of Southampton community has been left deeply shaken by the tragedy. Professor Mark E. Smith, the Vice-Chancellor, said the university was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Henry's death.
"Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time," Professor Smith stated. He emphasised that support was available for students and staff affected by the loss, directing them to the university's 24/7 student hub.
The university has pledged its full cooperation with the police investigation as they work to bring clarity to the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
