British police are facing intense public criticism after revelations that an 18-year-old student who had been fatally stabbed was briefly handcuffed while officers initially dismissed his pleas for help, following false claims by his attacker that he had been the victim of a racist assault.
Henry Nowak died in Southampton in December after being stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who was later sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday. During the incident, Digwa reportedly told police that Nowak had attacked him, a claim that influenced the early response of officers at the scene.
Body-worn camera footage shows the injured teenager lying on the ground repeatedly saying he had been stabbed and struggling to breathe, while an officer initially responded that his injuries did not appear serious. Officers later realized the severity of his condition, removed handcuffs, and attempted CPR.
The case has triggered widespread anger across the United Kingdom, with questions raised about police handling of the emergency response and whether allegations of racism affected decision-making at the scene.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the incident raised “serious questions” that must be fully investigated, particularly around how false claims influenced police judgment during the critical moments of the response.
The killing has also become politically charged, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage arguing that concerns about being labelled racist may have contributed to errors in handling the case. His comments have added to already heightened tensions following the release of court details.
Public protests have since taken place in Southampton, where demonstrators gathered outside a police station chanting slogans linked to the victim’s final words. Additional demonstrations have been planned in other parts of the country.
Authorities confirmed that Hampshire Police has issued an apology and that one officer involved has resigned, while others remain under investigation. The force said its actions are being reviewed as part of standard procedures.
Government ministers have urged restraint, warning against politicising the tragedy. Interior officials stressed that policing decisions must remain based on risk and evidence rather than assumptions about race or identity.
The Attorney General’s Office is also reviewing whether the sentence imposed on the attacker should be reconsidered, following formal requests submitted after the verdict.
The incident has reignited debate in the UK over policing standards, emergency response protocols, and the influence of social tensions on frontline decision-making.
