An officer connected to the Henry Nowak tragedy has stepped down.
The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa in Southampton on December 3, 2025. Distressing video footage shows him being handcuffed while he was dying.
Digwa falsely told the police that he was a victim of a racist assault. He was found guilty of murder this week.
A representative from Hampshire Police confirmed today that one of the officers involved in the case has resigned. They stated, “Three officers are still on duty, while one has resigned. As per the IOPC confirmation, all officers are considered witnesses and are not currently under any restrictions.”
In the body-worn camera recording of the incident, Mr. Nowak can be heard repeatedly stating, “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer responds, “Don’t think you have, mate.”
Sir Keir Starmer expressed feeling nauseated upon watching the footage of police handcuffing Mr. Nowak, emphasizing that there are significant inquiries to be made about the case. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of investigating how allegations of racism influenced the police’s actions in this instance.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is anticipated to issue a report on the case within the next three months. The investigators are scrutinizing extensive body-worn camera footage along with evidence presented during Digwa’s trial.
Sir Keir commented, “It is completely appropriate that the IOPC is examining this matter… There are evidently serious questions that require answers, particularly regarding how accusations of racism impacted decision-making in this situation.”
Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years in prison for using a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade to stab Mr. Nowak. The court referred to it as a “Sikh dagger.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing the Commons later in the day, emphasized the importance of preventing the murder from causing divisions between communities. She stated, “We denounce those responsible for this atrocious act, not everyone who shares their faith or ethnicity.”
Mark Nowak, Mr. Nowak’s father, speaking after Digwa’s sentencing on Monday, expressed, “We do not wish for his death to be exploited to sow further division, hatred, or tension.”