Newly released police bodycam footage is drawing attention to the actions of local police after officers handcuffed 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who had been stabbed, moments before he died on a street in Southampton. The incident occurred on December 3, 2025, and the footage shows Nowak informing officers, "I’ve been stabbed" and "I can’t breathe" while on the ground. An officer responded, "I don’t think you have, mate."
Nowak was handcuffed after the alleged attacker, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, claimed he had been the victim of a racist assault. Officers later removed the handcuffs and attempted CPR after realizing Nowak had suffered serious stab wounds. Digwa was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Nowak, who was a finance student at the University of Southampton.
The case has prompted political backlash in Britain and discussions regarding policing, race, and knife crime. Mark Nowak, Henry's father, stated that his son pleaded for help before losing consciousness and criticized the police for their treatment of his son. He emphasized that while Digwa was responsible for his son's death, the police's actions were also unacceptable.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented that the case highlighted a fear of being labeled racist over addressing the murder. MP Robert Jenrick called for the release of the bodycam footage, suggesting that authorities prioritized allegations of racism over saving Nowak's life. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as "an awful, shocking case" and supported an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is currently looking into the police response. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has apologized for handcuffing Nowak before he lost consciousness.
