Two UK police officers face misconduct probe in Henry Nowak murder case

Two UK police officers are under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in connection with the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. The IOPC is examining whether race or religion influenced the officers' actions after they handcuffed Nowak as he lay dying from a stabbing in Southampton in December. Officers reportedly accepted the account of the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist attack, and treated Nowak as a suspect. Body-camera footage showed Nowak's pleas of being unable to breathe going unanswered. The investigation will assess potential breaches of professional standards, including failures to recognize Nowak's need for urgent medical attention, delays in providing first aid, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him.

Two British police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct after handcuffing and arresting an 18-year-old stabbing victim, Henry Nowak, as he lay dying in Southampton in December 2025. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining whether the officers breached professional standards regarding duties, responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. The investigation will also consider if race or religion influenced the officers' decision-making. Nowak's killer, Vickrum Digwa, had falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist assault. Body-worn video footage of the incident, showing Nowak struggling to breathe while handcuffed, has caused public shock. The IOPC stated that the investigation does not guarantee disciplinary proceedings.

Two police officers involved in the case of Henry Nowak, who died in December 2025 after being stabbed, are now under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The investigation will examine whether the officers failed to recognize Nowak's need for urgent medical attention, delayed first aid, and wrongly arrested and handcuffed him after he stated he had been stabbed and couldn't breathe. The IOPC will also consider if the race or religion of Nowak or the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, influenced the officers' actions and decisions. This shift in the investigation follows a formal complaint from Nowak's family and meetings with them. Digwa has been convicted of Nowak's murder.