Two police officers from Hampshire Constabulary are facing gross misconduct investigations following their handling of an 18-year-old stabbing victim, Henry Nowak, in Southampton last December. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced on Wednesday that the inquiry will examine the officers’ actions at the scene where Nowak was fatally stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa.
According to the IOPC, the officers arrived first after the attack on December 3, 2025. Despite Nowak repeatedly telling them that he had been stabbed and that he could not breathe, the officers handcuffed him instead of administering first aid. One officer is also being investigated for allegedly dismissing Nowak’s claim that he was stabbed. The officers initially believed Digwa’s false assertion that he was the victim of a racist assault by Nowak, who was white, whereas Digwa is Sikh.
Video footage from police body-worn cameras showing Nowak’s final moments has drawn significant public attention and concern. The IOPC stated the officers may have breached professional standards relating to duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. The investigation will also consider whether race or religion played a role in the officers’ decisions. Derrick Campbell, director of engagement at the IOPC, noted that there is clear evidence the incident may have seriously undermined public confidence in the police.
Nowak’s family has reportedly engaged with the IOPC, urging a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. Political figures, including shadow home secretary Chris Philp and former home secretary Suella Braverman, had called for a full misconduct probe amid concerns about discriminatory policing practices.
Vickrum Digwa was prosecuted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of Henry Nowak. Hampshire Police confirmed that the officers under investigation have not been suspended but are currently away from the workplace as the inquiry proceeds.