Henry Nowak’s family say police footage deepened their grief

Henry’s stepmother, Katie Nowak, told ITV that the family’s world had changed twice: first when they learned of his death and again when they watched the video.

“The first time was the night that we were told that Henry had died. And the second time was when we watched that video,” she said.

Henry, an 18-year-old university student, was stabbed in Southampton on 3 December 2025. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, was later jailed for life, with a minimum term of 21 years.

The BBC reports that the police bodycam footage shows officers handcuffing Henry as he repeatedly said he had been stabbed. In the video, an officer replies: “Don’t think you have, mate.”

Katie also recalled Henry’s father, Mark, falling to his knees when officers told them he had died. His sister Olivia said she kept some of his T-shirts on his bed because their smell gave her comfort.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s temporary deputy chief constable, Robert France, previously apologised that Henry had been handcuffed and arrested as he lost consciousness. France said the officers did not have all the information known later; the force said they removed the handcuffs, called an ambulance and began CPR once the severity of his condition became clear.

Police also said a pathologist told the murder trial that nothing officers could have done that night would have saved Henry’s life.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating two officers for potential gross misconduct, including over the decision to arrest and handcuff Henry and the first aid provided. It is also examining whether race, religion, assumptions or prejudice affected police decisions. The watchdog says an investigation does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow, and it expects to conclude its inquiry early in 2027.

A separate independent review into the murder will examine whether opportunities to prevent it were missed and how public authorities treated Henry’s family. A second phase will follow the police watchdog’s investigation.