A man has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old student who was stabbed to death while on a night out with his football teammates. Henry Nowak, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, suffered a puncture wound to his chest and two wounds to the back of his leg after becoming involved in an altercation.
Police were called to an incident in Belmont Road, Portswood, on Wednesday, where Mr Nowak was pronounced dead at the scene. Hampshire Police have since charged 22-year-old Vickrum Digwa, of St Denys Road, Southampton, with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Kiran Kaur, 52, also of St Denys Road, has been charged with assisting an offender. Both are due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Police said a 51-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. A 26-year-old man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, was released with no further action in relation to that offence, but remains on bail for other offences.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Nowak’s family described him as a “kind, intelligent, and talented son” who was in his first year at Southampton University studying accountancy and finance. They said he had “smashed his A-levels” and was “fully embracing university life”, joining two football teams, making new friends, and working part-time at a local Morrisons.
The family added: “He went on a night out with his new football teammates, celebrating the end of their first semester at uni. Devastatingly, he never made it home. Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him. Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”
Southampton University vice-chancellor Professor Mark E Smith said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of our student, Henry Nowak. Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”
