The murder of 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak has triggered national outrage in the United Kingdom. The anger stems from police bodycam footage submitted during a trial, which showed officers arresting and handcuffing the fatally wounded teenager as he lay dying.
The footage revealed that the attacker, Vickrum Singh Digwa, was not handcuffed after falsely claiming to be the victim of a racist assault. This sequence of events has led to protests and serious questions about the conduct of the British authorities.
Henry Nowak was a student from Chafford Hundred in Essex. He was attacked on December 3, 2025, while walking back to his accommodation in Southampton. His killer, Vickrum Singh Digwa, was a 23-year-old Southampton resident with no prior convictions.
Prosecutors described Digwa as having a “weapons obsession.” A court heard he had trained with weapons since age 12 and slept in a room surrounded by them. Police discovered a cache of over 20 weapons at his family home, including knives, swords, and an axe.
The fatal encounter occurred on Belmont Road. Shortly before the attack, Nowak recorded Digwa openly carrying a large blade on his belt. In the video, Nowak can be heard saying, “You’re a bad man,” to which Digwa replies, “I am a bad man.”
Digwa then stabbed Nowak five times, including a fatal wound to the heart. Police later found Nowak’s phone hidden in Digwa’s pocket. When officers arrived at the scene, they were met by Digwa’s brother, who falsely claimed they had been racially attacked.
Digwa told police that Nowak had racially abused him, punched him, and torn off his turban. Believing this account, officers treated the dying student as the suspect. Bodycam footage showed Nowak handcuffed on the ground, repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe.
An officer responded, “Don’t think you have, mate.” Nowak was dragged across gravel and left in handcuffs as he lost consciousness. Digwa, who still possessed the murder weapon, was not restrained.
Digwa was later charged with murder. He claimed self-defense, alleging Nowak attacked first. Prosecutors called the racism allegation a “wicked lie,” stating Digwa attacked without provocation. The jury convicted Digwa on May 28.
On June 2, Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. His mother, Kiran Kaur, was found guilty of assisting an offender for hiding the murder weapon. Digwa’s father and brother also face separate weapons charges.
Digwa attempted to justify carrying the blade by citing his Sikh faith. The court heard he carried both a small, concealed kirpan and a much larger 21 cm knife worn openly. The judge rejected the religious justification, stating Digwa had brought shame upon his community.
The case has prompted condemnation from UK politicians. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for “pure, cold rage,” describing it as proof of “two-tier culture.” Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the footage “awful” and cited “multiple failures.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the footage “really harrowing” and said there were “serious questions for police.” However, he rejected claims of systemic “two-tier policing.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned against politicizing the case.
Public anger escalated into protests in Southampton. Hundreds gathered outside police stations and near the Digwa family home, chanting Nowak’s name and “I can’t breathe.” Violence erupted, with objects thrown at riot police. Eleven officers and a police dog were injured.
The incident has renewed the broader debate over “two-tier policing” in the UK. Critics point to other cases where authorities allegedly hesitated to act against minority suspects. The case also ties into the UK’s ongoing knife-crime crisis.
Nowak’s father, Mark, said his son “did not die with dignity” and described the police treatment as “inhumane and degrading.” He contrasted his son’s treatment with that of the killer, who was believed and allowed to choose food from his family’s kitchen.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing the case and is expected to report within three months. Hampshire Constabulary has apologized for how Nowak was treated. One involved officer has resigned, while three others remain on duty.
The Attorney General’s Office is considering requests to review Digwa’s sentence under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. The National Police Chiefs’ Council is also reviewing its anti-racism commitments in light of the case.
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