Two police officers involved in the detention of Henry Nowak as he lay dying from stab wounds are under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The officers, who were the first to arrive at the scene in Southampton on December 3, 2025, have been temporarily removed from duty following threats to their safety.

Nowak, 18, died after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who later falsely told police that he had been the victim of a racist attack. This misinformation led officers to handcuff Nowak and treat him as a suspect, despite his repeated pleas that he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe. Video footage of the incident sparked public outrage and prompted further scrutiny of the officers’ conduct.

Initially, the IOPC treated the officers as witnesses after determining there was no immediate indication of disciplinary breaches. However, following two meetings with Nowak’s family and their lawyer, the watchdog expanded its investigation to include possible gross misconduct and whether racial factors influenced the officers' actions. The case has generated claims that Nowak’s treatment was linked to an alleged anti-white bias, prompting the IOPC to examine whether the race or religion of either Nowak or the Digwa family played a role in decision-making during the incident.

The IOPC stated that the evidence suggests the officers may have breached professional standards related to duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. Derrick Campbell, representing the IOPC, noted that the incident has damaged public confidence in the police, a consideration that will be factored into the ongoing review. At the conclusion of the investigation, the watchdog will determine if disciplinary proceedings are warranted against the officers.

Digwa was convicted of Nowak’s murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Meanwhile, the Hampshire police confirmed that the officers remain off active duty and, if reinstated, would be assigned to roles without public contact. The IOPC aims to complete its investigation by September, including conducting face-to-face interviews with the officers involved.