Independent review ordered into murder of student Henry Nowak in Southampton
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the killing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton. It will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday that an independent review will be held into the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton, southern England. The review will be led by Alex Chalk KC, a former Lord Chancellor.
Nowak was fatally stabbed in December. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he had been racially abused and had acted in self-defence. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment on 1 June, with a minimum term of 21 years.
Why the review is being held
After the killing, police bodycam footage emerged showing Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying. This brought intense scrutiny on Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the local police force, and prompted wider debate about knife laws, race, policing and public trust.
What it will examine
Mahmood said the aim is to establish the truth about what happened before, during and after that night. The review will look at what was known about Nowak's killer and whether there were missed opportunities to intervene. It will also examine how the victim's family was treated in the aftermath.
"We must get to truth of what happened before, during and after that awful night and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no family suffers the same fate," Mahmood said.
The source notes that the story is still being updated.
