The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a gross misconduct investigation into two Hampshire police officers following the arrest and handcuffing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was fatally stabbed in Southampton on 3 December last year.
Henry had told officers he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe, but his desperate pleas were ignored. Instead of receiving first aid, he was handcuffed as he lay dying on the ground.
Alleged Breaches of Professional Conduct
The IOPC stated that evidence indicates the two officers may have potentially breached professional standards of conduct relating to duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable behaviour. One officer is under investigation for dismissing the teenager's claim that he had been stabbed. The watchdog is also examining whether race or religion influenced the officers' decision-making process.
Henry, originally from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton. He was stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was last month handed a life sentence for the fatal attack. During the trial, a court heard Digwa told police a "wicked lie" that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
Public Outcry and Protests
Fury broke out following the release of police body-worn footage showing the teenager being handcuffed shortly before losing consciousness and later dying. The footage sparked protests in Southampton that rapidly descended into violence. Several police officers sustained injuries during confrontations with protesters, and at least 28 individuals were arrested on various charges, including violent disorder and assaulting a police officer.
Henry's family has been notified of the decision to launch the investigation. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: "We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Henry's family and friends. Our investigators met with Henry's family earlier this month where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded."
IOPC Investigation Details
Campbell added: "We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved. As a result, 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 IOPC emphasised that the serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of the investigation, they will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.
