Family says police misled them on the night Henry Nowak was killed

Henry Nowak’s family says police officers provided conflicting and misleading information during the critical hours following their son’s murder in Southampton. The 18-year-old was stabbed while walking home in December 2025 and was arrested while pleading for medical attention. His parents, Mark and Katie Nowak, stated that they felt manipulated and failed by the authorities during their most difficult time. They believe the initial narratives offered by officers were designed to protect the force’s reputation rather than support the family.

Mark Nowak described a pattern of shifting accounts from law enforcement. He noted that police first told them officers administered first aid immediately upon arrival. That explanation changed to officers detaining everyone present, then detaining only Henry, then handcuffing him, and finally placing him under arrest. Nowak said this evolution of the story shocked the family and left them feeling hoodwicked. He felt the truth was withheld at every step.

Stepmother Katie Nowak expressed fear that the family was manipulated in their darkest hours. She stated that she feels the family has been failed multiple times. She believes some decisions were made to shield the police and their image instead of helping the family understand what happened.

Nowak was killed by Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed him after a night out. Digwa falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse. Police bodyworn camera footage showed Nowak bleeding heavily while officers restrained him. In the video, Nowak repeatedly said, “I’ve been stabbed.” An officer responded, “Don’t think you have, mate.” Digwa was later jailed for life for the murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently investigating the incident. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has launched a separate review to determine if opportunities to prevent the murder were missed. The police watchdog initially concluded in April that no Hampshire police officers would face conduct or criminal investigations. The IOPC stated that no concerns were identified regarding officer actions at that time. Less than two months after that decision, Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary issued a formal apology for its actions.

Lucy Ross, Nowak’s mother, questioned why her son was dismissed by officers. She said Henry told police nine times that he could not breathe and had been stabbed. She asked why officers reacted with such disbelief and then handcuffed him. Ross stated that it is painful to know her child was treated poorly in his final moments when he needed help. She described the experience as devastating for the family.

Alexis Boon, chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, expressed deep regret for the force’s performance. He told ITV News that he is incredibly sorry for failing Henry in his final moments. Boon acknowledged that the family has raised serious concerns about the police response and their treatment throughout the investigation. He stated that no family should find themselves in that position.

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC’s director of engagement, said the body is committed to establishing the full circumstances of the case. He confirmed the investigation will determine if any officers should face disciplinary proceedings. Campbell stated the watchdog aims to provide the family with answers about how police treated Nowak on the night of the attack and why.