Shabana Mahmood has assured the family of Henry Nowak that they will receive explanations following the incident where the teenager was handcuffed while he was dying.
Expressing her concern, the Home Secretary urged for peace and emphasized that the “evil act” should not incite discord among communities.
Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry six times with a religious blade in Southampton.
Neville Lawrence, father of the late Stephen, who was fatally stabbed in 1993, empathized with Henry Nowak’s family and criticized the assumptions made by the attending officers, drawing parallels between the two cases.
Hampshire Police faced backlash for handcuffing Henry as he succumbed to his injuries, leading to the resignation of one officer involved in the incident.
In video footage, Henry can be heard repeatedly stating that he had been stabbed, but was met with disbelief from an officer before being restrained.
Political figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister, raised concerns over the handling of the case, calling for a thorough investigation into potential racial biases in the police response.
Digwa falsely claimed he was a victim of a racist attack when police arrived at the scene, prompting scrutiny from the police watchdog set to report on the matter in the next few months.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing extensive body camera footage and trial evidence related to Digwa’s case.
Despite the outrage over the treatment of Henry, three officers involved in the incident remain on duty without facing a misconduct inquiry, sparking further public outcry.
Ms. Mahmood reassured that the IOPC will be fully supported in their investigation into the police response to the stabbing.
Amid calls for calm and unity, there have been attempts to exploit the tragedy for political gains, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage facing criticism for his divisive remarks.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized the importance of not letting the murder divide communities and condemned those trying to exploit the situation for personal or political benefit.
The Digwa family faces charges related to possessing various weapons, with court proceedings adjourned until the following month.
As the investigation continues, the family of the victim expressed sorrow for the Nowak family’s loss and emphasized the need for safer streets to prevent similar tragedies.
Government officials and public figures have condemned the handling of the case and urged for a fair and unbiased investigation into the events surrounding Henry Nowak’s death.