Two police officers involved in the case of Henry Nowak have been placed under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Nowak, 18, died in December 2025 after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton. Digwa falsely told police he had been the victim of a racist attack, leading officers to handcuff Nowak and treat him as a suspect, despite him stating he had been stabbed and could not breathe.
IOPC Changes Stance After Family Complaint
The IOPC had initially treated the officers as witnesses, indicating no possible wrongdoing. On Wednesday, the watchdog reversed this view following meetings with Nowak's family and their lawyer, as well as a formal complaint from the family. The investigation will also examine whether race was a factor in the officers' response, amid far-right claims of anti-white bias.
Bodycam footage shows Digwa lying to police before his arrest. The IOPC stated it would look at whether the race or religion of either Henry or the Digwa family impacted officers' actions, and whether decisions were influenced by assumptions or prejudice related to community tensions.
Delayed Medical Attention and Handcuffing
Evidence indicates that both officers, who were first to arrive late on 3 December 2025, may have breached professional behaviour standards regarding duties, use of force, and discreditable conduct. Specifically, they potentially failed to recognise that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, did not act immediately after he said he was stabbed, and arrested and handcuffed him instead of providing first aid. One officer may also have breached the standard of authority, respect, and courtesy for dismissing Nowak's claim of being stabbed.
Derrick Campbell from the IOPC said: '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. 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.'
Public Confidence and Policy Review
Campbell added: '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 will also investigate why Nowak was handcuffed while Digwa was not when arrested for attempted murder after police realised Nowak had been stabbed. The watchdog will consider whether national or force policy changes are needed to improve police practice.
Digwa has been convicted of Nowak's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. The sentence is being appealed by senior government law officers as unduly lenient.
