Family of Henry Nowak Alleges Police Misconduct and Changing Accounts in Murder Investigation

According to BBC UK, the family of Henry Nowak, a student who was murdered, stated that the police offered varying explanations regarding the events surrounding his death and did not initially disclose that he had been handcuffed while he was dying. They further alleged that the police initially presented him as the aggressor during the fatal confrontation with Vickrum Digwa in Southampton on December 3, 2025.

Henry's stepmother, Katie Nowak, expressed that Hampshire Police had failed them on multiple occasions. These comments were made in a second segment released by ITV from the upcoming documentary Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice. Chief Constable Alexis Boon issued an apology to the family, stating that the police failed Henry when he most needed them.

Nowak, who was 18 years old and from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was a first-year student at the University of Southampton when he was killed while walking home from an evening out. He sustained five stab wounds or cuts from a blade measuring 21cm (8in), which Digwa later claimed was a kirpan associated with his Sikh faith.

Police body-worn camera footage shown in court reportedly contained the teenager repeating, "I've been stabbed," to which an officer responded, "Don't think you have, mate."

The family informed ITV News that they first viewed this footage on the first day of Digwa's trial at Southampton Crown Court. Henry's sister, Olivia, remarked that the video only became available because of the trial, as they had not seen it prior.

Katie Nowak also stated that they had always held a small hope that Vickrum might plead guilty, and that without hiring expert assistance, they feared the truth might never have been revealed. She added that she felt they had been failed multiple times, feared manipulation during their difficult period, and suspected some decisions were made to protect the police and their reputation rather than assist the family.

Henry's father, Mark Nowak, reported that the police provided different narratives about what occurred on December 3. He stated that the story changed with every interaction they had with the police, and this evolution of events that night shocked them, leading them to feel they were being misled and not being told the truth. He also mentioned being asked to approve a draft police press release that depicted his son as the aggressor.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Alexis Boon communicated to ITV in a statement that Henry's murder was a tragic event, and that the thoughts of the force remained with his family and loved ones. He expressed deep regret that the police failed him in his final moments, adding that for Henry's family, the issue extended beyond the events of that single night, as they had raised serious concerns about the police response and their treatment throughout the investigation and subsequently.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that its investigation into potential shortcomings in the police response to Mr. Nowak's stabbing is anticipated to conclude early next year. However, a letter sent to the family by the watchdog in April indicated that after reviewing the available evidence, no officers would face conduct or criminal investigation, as no concerns were identified regarding officer actions or decisions that would warrant disciplinary proceedings if proven or admitted. This decision not to investigate attending officers was noted as being kept under review throughout the case lifecycle. In July, the IOPC announced that two officers were under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell stated that the watchdog is dedicated to determining the full circumstances of the case, including whether any involved officers should face disciplinary action, and to providing Mr. Nowak's family with answers. Campbell noted that investigators are in regular contact with the family members and are working to conclude the independent investigation as quickly as possible while thoroughly exploring all avenues of inquiry.

Vickrum Digwa, who was 23, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent inquiry into the murder, which will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk, to examine any missed opportunities for intervention.

Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice is scheduled to air on Thursday, November 5, at 21:00 GMT on ITV, ITVX, and the ITV News YouTube channel.