Protest Erupts in Southampton After Murder Sentencing

A protest in Southampton, England, escalated into violence following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. The demonstration, which drew hundreds of participants, resulted in injuries to police officers and led to arrests. The incident has prompted political debate regarding police procedures and the handling of allegations of racism.

Incident and Conviction

Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in Southampton in December 2024 after being attacked while walking home. The perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh man, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.

During the initial police response, body-worn camera footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak as he lay on the ground. In the footage, Nowak can be heard stating, "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe." An officer is heard responding, "I don't think you have, mate." Officers later uncuffed Nowak and administered CPR. Court pathologists determined that Nowak would have died from his injuries regardless of emergency response.

"I've been stabbed… I can't breathe." —Henry Nowak, as captured on police bodycam footage.

At the scene, Digwa falsely told police that Nowak had racially abused and assaulted him prior to the stabbing. During the trial, the presiding judge stated they did not believe Nowak made any racist comments. Digwa claimed the knife used was permitted under religious exemptions for Sikhs to carry ceremonial daggers (kirpans).

Police and Government Response

Hampshire Police issued an apology for its handling of the incident. One officer involved has resigned, and three others are being treated as witnesses in an ongoing investigation. The police force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the actions of the officers.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has announced it will review its anti-racism guidance in light of the case.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the footage raises "serious questions" about how allegations of racism may have influenced police decision-making. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that everyone is equal before the law and called for calm.

Protests

On February 11, 2025, a protest in Southampton drew over 1,000 attendees. According to police reports, some individuals in the crowd attacked officers with chairs, cans, rocks, bottles, and flares. Police reported that 11 officers and one police dog were injured. Two people were arrested.

Some participants chanted "I can't breathe" and "two-tier scum." Far-right activist Tommy Robinson addressed the crowd. Matt Styler was charged with assaulting a police officer, and Daniel Frost was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Statements from Public Figures and Family

• Henry Nowak's father, Mark Nowak, described his son's treatment by police as "inhumane and degrading." He stated that the case is not about racism or religion and urged that his son's death not be used to "create further division, hatred or tension."

• Reform UK leader Nigel Farage characterized the incident as an example of "two-tier policing" and called for "pure cold rage" in response. Prime Minister Starmer criticized these comments, stating there is "no justification for more violence and disorder" and calling Farage's remarks "unforgivable."

• Elon Musk posted on social media platform X, urging the sharing of the bodycam footage and offering to fund a private prosecution against the police. Prime Minister Starmer accused Musk of attempting to "whip up division."

• Sikh community groups condemned the murder as an individual act but noted that the Sikh community faced abuse and hate during the trial.

Some politicians have called for banning Sikhs from carrying kirpans following the case.