Major Henry Nowak case update as two police officers face investigation

Two Hampshire police officers who were called to the scene following the stabbing of Henry Nowak are under investigation for potential gross misconduct, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. The 18-year-old told officers he could not breathe and that he had been stabbed after being attacked in Southampton on December 3 last year. The student had been handcuffed by police after his attacker, Vickrum Digwa, lied to officers at the scene, falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack.

The IOPC said it is investigating potential failures by the officers to take action when Mr Nowak said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid. The watchdog added: "There's also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed."

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The watchdog is also looking at whether race or religion played a part in the officers’ decision-making. Digwa lied to police that he had been the victim of a racist attack by Henry, when in fact he had fatally stabbed the 18-year-old.

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: "We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Henry’s family and friends.

"Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded.

"We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved. As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations.

"There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence.

"The serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings."

The IOPC said it had expanded its investigation following discussions with Mr Nowak’s family, who have lodged formal complaints about the force.

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