A Hampshire police officer has resigned following the controversial arrest of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3, 2025. The officer's resignation was confirmed by a force spokesperson, who stated that three other officers involved remain on duty and are being treated as witnesses by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Bodycam footage showed Mr Nowak being handcuffed while lying on the ground, repeatedly saying, 'I've been stabbed,' to which an officer replied, 'Don't think you have, mate.' The footage has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about police decision-making during the incident.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he 'felt sick' watching the footage and called for an examination of how accusations of racism influenced the police's handling of the case. The IOPC is expected to publish its findings within three months, with investigators reviewing body-worn video and trial material.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 21 years for stabbing Mr Nowak with a ceremonial Sikh dagger bearing a 21cm blade. Digwa had falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the Commons that the murder must not be used to turn communities against one another. Mr Nowak's father, Mark Nowak, urged against using his son's death to create further division or hatred.
