An officer connected to the Henry Nowak case has stepped down from their position.
The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa in Southampton on December 3, 2025. Distressing video footage captured him being restrained with handcuffs while he was dying.
Digwa provided false information to law enforcement, alleging he was a victim of a racially motivated assault. He was found guilty of murder this week.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police confirmed today that one of the officers involved in the case has resigned. They stated, “Three officers are still active, while one has resigned. As per the IOPC’s confirmation, all officers are considered witnesses and are not currently under any restrictions.”
During the incident, body-worn camera footage captured Mr. Nowak repeatedly stating, “I’ve been stabbed,” with an officer dismissing his claim by saying, “Don’t think you have, mate.”
Sir Keir Starmer expressed feeling disturbed after watching the video of police handcuffing Mr. Nowak, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation. The Prime Minister called for an examination into how allegations of racism influenced the police’s actions in the case.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is anticipated to release a report on the case within the next three months. Investigators are reviewing extensive body-worn camera recordings and evidence presented during Digwa’s trial.
Sir Keir emphasized the importance of the IOPC’s investigation, stating, “There are significant questions that must be addressed, particularly regarding how accusations of racism impacted decision-making in this case.”
Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years in prison for using a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade to stab Mr. Nowak. The weapon was identified in court as a “Sikh dagger.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing the Commons, emphasized the importance of avoiding division within communities following the murder. She condemned the crime while emphasizing that not all individuals of the same faith or ethnicity should be judged based on the actions of a few.
Mr. Nowak’s father, Mark Nowak, shared his desire to prevent his son’s death from fueling further division, hatred, or tension after Digwa’s sentencing on Monday.