Police officers involved in the handcuffing of a dying teenager are not under current investigation for misconduct, although one officer has resigned from Hampshire Police following the incident. The incident, which drew heavy criticism, involved the officers restraining Henry Nowak, 18, as he bled from knife wounds while his killer, Vickrum Digwa, observed. One of the officers has since resigned amidst the backlash.
Henry, a student from Southampton, was restrained after Digwa falsely claimed to police at the stabbing scene that he was a victim of a racist attack. Footage released by the police, with permission from Henry’s family, captured him pleading for help as an officer dismissed his cries for being stabbed, leading to a fatal wound.
Although the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has not yet referred any officers for misconduct investigations, they continue to review the case as part of a mandatory procedure for deaths or serious injuries during police encounters. Despite calls for action, no misconduct complaints have been filed by the family.
One female officer has left the force since the incident, while the others involved remain on active police duty. The potential for gross misconduct charges looms over the officers, which could result in job termination if found guilty.
In the video footage, officers can be heard downplaying Henry’s injuries and failing to adequately assess his condition, with tragic consequences. The IOPC has pledged to meet with Henry’s family to provide updates on their investigation and address concerns raised by the case.
The Hampshire Police has acknowledged the resignation of one officer involved in the Henry Nowak incident and clarified that the remaining officers are currently considered witnesses in the ongoing investigation. The IOPC continues to scrutinize the body-worn footage and other evidence to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the tragic events.