Investigation into Police Conduct Following Murder of Henry Nowak
The police watchdog is conducting an investigation after a young murder victim was handcuffed and arrested while he was dying at the scene.
Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old first-year university student, had been stabbed multiple times with a 21cm (8in) ceremonial knife when officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary arrived in Southampton in December.
The police force issued an apology after 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa was found guilty of murder on Thursday. During the trial, it was revealed that Digwa had lied to police, falsely claiming he was the victim and alleging he had been subjected to racist abuse.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed in a statement to the BBC that an investigation into the police force's actions is ongoing.
Details of the Incident
Henry, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was returning alone to his student accommodation after a night out with his football teammates when he encountered Digwa.
Digwa, who stated he carried a blade due to his Sikh faith, claimed he acted in self-defence. He alleged that Henry was intoxicated, shouted racist abuse, assaulted him, and knocked off his turban.
However, it was established that Henry had blood alcohol levels below the legal drink-drive limit at the time of his death.
The prosecution described Digwa's claims as a "wicked lie" fabricated to avoid imprisonment, a position the jury accepted.
Evidence showed Henry was the victim and had left a trail of blood as he attempted to escape his attacker by climbing over a fence.
Despite this, when police arrived, Henry—who was studying finance at the University of Southampton—was handcuffed and arrested following Digwa's false accusations.
Police Response and Apology
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France addressed the situation in an interview with the BBC.
"It is a tragedy that officers did not immediately understand what had happened to Henry.
"I am sorry that he had been handcuffed and arrested as he lost consciousness.
"I don't want to hide the facts. I want people to understand the full facts."
France stated he expects the IOPC to investigate "the whole range of what happened" and affirmed the force's commitment to acting on the watchdog's findings.
He also noted the emotional impact on the officers involved, saying,
"The officers who initially interacted with Henry are the same officers who started the CPR, who fought to save his life and I have no doubt of the extensive impact on the officers."
Independent Office for Police Conduct Investigation
The IOPC expressed condolences to Henry's family and those affected by his death.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Henry Nowak's family and everyone affected by his death.
"We are independently investigating the contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight officers had with Mr Nowak prior to his death on 4 December, including the use of handcuffs by officers and the first aid provided.
"Our investigation, which began following a mandatory referral from the force, remains ongoing and the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses."
Next Steps
Vickrum Digwa is scheduled to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Monday.
