Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Tuesday night after police bodycam footage was released showing the arrest of Henry Nowak in December. Nowak was handcuffed shortly after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, with police initially appearing to believe Digwa's account that he had been racially abused and attacked by Nowak.
Nowak died shortly after being handcuffed. Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on Monday for his murder. The bodycam footage, released on Monday evening, shows Nowak repeatedly telling police that he could not breathe and that he had been stabbed, but his version of events was not initially believed.
Protests Erupt Over Police Handling
Protesters who gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Tuesday were heard chanting “racist police, off our streets” and “I can’t breathe.” The demonstration reflects widespread anger over the police response to the incident.
Political Reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he felt 'sick' watching the bodycam footage of Nowak being handcuffed after being stabbed. An officer involved in the case has since resigned. Starmer's comments have intensified scrutiny of the police's actions during the arrest.
The case has raised serious questions about racial bias in policing and the treatment of victims of crime. The footage has been widely shared, sparking a national debate on police accountability and the use of force.
