Two Hampshire police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct over the arrest and handcuffing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old who was fatally stabbed, and for allegedly failing to recognize he needed medical help. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced the probes following the release of body-worn camera footage that shocked the nation.
Officers Ignored Pleas for Help
On December 3 last year, officers responded to a call in Southampton where Henry Nowak had been attacked. In the footage, Nowak can be heard repeatedly saying, “I’ve been stabbed,” to which one officer replied, “You’ve been stabbed? Whereabouts? Don’t think you have, mate.” Instead of providing first aid, the officers handcuffed him as he lay dying.
The IOPC said it is investigating potential failures by the officers to realize that Henry needed urgent medical attention, to take action when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid.
Gross Misconduct Notices Served
One officer is also under investigation for potentially breaching conduct standards by dismissing the teenager’s claim that he had been stabbed. The watchdog is also examining whether race or religion played a part in the officers’ decision-making.
Killer Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh man, had lied to police that he was the victim of a racist attack by Henry, when in fact he had fatally stabbed the 18-year-old.
IOPC Statement
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.”
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.”
He noted that serving gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow, and a decision will be made at the end of the investigation.
