An independent inquiry has been announced to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak and the response of public authorities before and after the incident. The review was ordered by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and will be led by former Conservative justice secretary Alex Chalk KC.

Nowak was fatally stabbed in Southampton last December by Vickrum Digwa, who used an eight-inch ceremonial dagger. Digwa, a Sikh man with no prior connection to Nowak, falsely claimed at the scene that Nowak had shouted racist abuse and physically attacked him. This claim led to Nowak being handcuffed by police while he was dying, a detail that sparked widespread public outrage and protests in Southampton amid accusations of "two-tier policing." Body camera footage from the police showed Nowak repeatedly asserting that he had been stabbed, with at least one officer reportedly downplaying his injuries.

The inquiry will examine the handling of Digwa by police, local authorities, educational institutions, social services, health providers, and faith organizations in the years preceding the murder. Authorities will scrutinize whether “cultural sensitivities”—including concerns over respecting religious or ethnic backgrounds—hampered efforts to address Digwa’s reported obsession with ceremonial knives and his history of violent and erratic behavior. Over twenty weapons, including ceremonial daggers, were reportedly found among Digwa’s possessions.

Home Secretary Mahmood emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into any missed opportunities to intervene before the fatal attack, saying the review will cover what was known about Digwa and the response from various agencies. The examination will also look into the support provided to the Nowak family throughout the criminal justice process. The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s role will be reviewed following the completion of its ongoing investigation into the police response.

The Nowak family welcomed the inquiry, describing it as a vital step toward accountability and meaningful change after years of seeking answers. They expressed hope that the review, alongside other investigations and an upcoming inquest, would fully uncover the truth surrounding Henry’s death.

The inquiry is expected to report its findings within five months. It also follows calls from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for proper accountability for those who failed Nowak and his family. Meanwhile, Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years in June. His mother was also convicted and jailed for assisting an offender.