The handling of the case involving the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak has raised concerns about police response and judgment at the crime scene. Nowak, who was attacked in Southampton after an evening with his student football team, was stabbed five times by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison. Digwa had falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist attack during the incident.

Body-worn camera footage reviewed by former Metropolitan Police officers, including a senior crime scene instructor, shows four Hampshire Police officers arriving at the scene shortly after a 999 call that did not initially mention weapons. Despite Nowak’s explicit statement, “I’ve been stabbed,” the officers reportedly failed to promptly assess and treat what should have been treated as a potentially life-threatening injury. Instead, they handcuffed the victim and performed only a brief examination—actions that critics say fell short of their duty of care.

Two former Scotland Yard personnel argued that the officers’ approach was flawed from the outset. They noted that an allegation of knife wounds requires an immediate and thorough investigation, including examination by removing clothing to identify possible stab wounds, which may not always be externally visible. According to the former instructors, the officers’ decision to handcuff Nowak while he was slumping and repeatedly expressing difficulty breathing may have delayed essential emergency aid.

One former instructor suggested concerns about officers’ apprehension regarding accusations of racism may have influenced their judgment. He noted that efforts to combat racial prejudice in policing sometimes cause officers to second-guess their actions at critical moments, potentially affecting their response to victims in distress.

Hampshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Robert France acknowledged the difficulty officers faced in a “confusing and unclear” situation when they arrived. He stated that within three minutes of arriving, the officers began administering first aid, including CPR, after realizing the severity of Nowak’s injuries. France expressed regret over the decision to handcuff and arrest Nowak, who died at the scene.

Following the incident, the Hampshire force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is continuing its investigation. One officer involved in the response has resigned, while three others remain with the force.

The case has spotlighted debates within policing circles about balancing procedural caution with the imperative of timely, thorough care, especially in cases involving potential life-threatening violence. Former police officers emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing victim welfare immediately on arrival, particularly when there is an explicit claim of stabbing, to avoid compromising investigation and emergency response.