Police told Henry Nowak family he was the aggressor
The parents of the Southampton student say initial reports contradicted body camera footage that shows officers delaying medical aid.
By Rafael Collins ·
The family of Henry Nowak says police initially told them their 18-year-old son was the aggressor in the incident that led to his death. This claim stands in direct contrast to body camera footage released later, which shows Nowak pleading for help while bleeding from a stab wound.
Mark Nowak, the student's father, told ITV News that the official account of the night shifted repeatedly during their interactions with authorities. He described a sequence of updates that began with officers saying they administered first aid upon arrival. The narrative then changed to say everyone present was detained, before narrowing to only Henry Nowak being detained. The final version stated that Nowak was handcuffed and placed under arrest. Mark Nowak said this evolution shocked the family and made them feel they were not being told the truth.
The incident occurred in Southampton in December 2025. Vickrum Digwa stabbed Nowak as the student walked home from a night out. Digwa, who was later jailed for life, falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse. Police body camera audio captures Nowak saying "I've been stabbed" repeatedly. An officer responds, "Don't think you have, mate." Lucy Ross, Nowak's mother, stated that her son told police nine times he could not breathe and had been stabbed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating the case. In April, the watchdog told the family that no Hampshire police officers would face a conduct or criminal investigation because no concerns were identified regarding officer actions. Less than two months after that communication, Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary issued a formal apology for its actions.
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has launched a separate review to examine whether opportunities were missed to prevent the murder. Alexis Boon, the chief constable for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, told ITV News that the force failed Nowak in his final moments. Boon acknowledged that the family has raised serious concerns about the police response and the treatment they received throughout the investigation.
Derrick Campbell, the IOPC's director of engagement, said the watchdog is committed to establishing the full circumstances of the case. He stated that the investigation will determine if any involved officers should face disciplinary proceedings. Campbell added that the IOPC aims to provide the family with answers about how police treated Nowak on that night and why.
Katie Nowak, the student's stepmother, said the family feels they have been failed multiple times. She expressed a fear that some decisions were made to protect police reputation rather than help the family during their darkest hours.
