Henry Nowak's family say police footage deepened their trauma

The family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student murdered in Southampton, England, say watching police body-worn camera footage of officers handcuffing him as he lay dying deepened their trauma. They spoke to the broadcaster ITV for its documentary Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice.

Henry was stabbed five times on 3 December 2025 while walking home from a night out with friends from his football team. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years. Digwa falsely told police that Henry had racially abused him, and officers handcuffed the student while he repeatedly said he had been stabbed.

The family's account

It took police a further 24 hours to identify Henry's body and inform his relatives. Taking part in the interview were his father Mark, stepmother Katie, mother Lucy and sister Olivia. They said their "world has changed twice": first when they learned he had died, and again when they watched the footage.

Katie recalled jumping out of bed and seeing a police car on the driveway. One officer was holding his hat in his hand, and she knew at once that something horrific had happened. She said Mark fell to his knees on hearing the news and let out a cry she will never forget. Mark said he remembered saying "it's Henry" and breaking down in tears, describing the pain as unbelievable.

Independent review

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review of the murder. It will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk and will examine any missed opportunities to intervene.