The arrest of a dying teenager has “absolutely shattered trust” in British police, according to journalist James Billot, as the case continues to spark outrage across the United Kingdom.
Henry Nowak, 18, died in Southampton last December after being arrested on suspicion of a racist attack that was later proven false. The teenager was handcuffed while suffering from multiple stab wounds, with police bodycam footage showing him telling officers “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe,” to which one officer replied, “I don’t think you have, mate.”
Public Outrage and Protests
On Tuesday, a few hundred people gathered outside Southampton police station to protest the handling of the case. Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, was among the demonstrators. Chants of “I can’t breathe” echoed through the crowd, referencing Nowak’s final words.
James Billot, Newsroom Editor at Unherd, told Sky News’ Power Hour that the police response was “truly staggering.” He said, “The reaction from the police in the aftermath of the incident has been nowhere near what I expected. This is just one small flash in a much bigger issue about what is wrong with British policing. I do believe that this incident has absolutely shattered trust in British police as an institution, if not the state.”
Political Reactions
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged there were “serious questions” to answer, including how “allegations of racism informed or fed into the decision-making in that particular case.” He stated, “It is impossible to watch that footage and not appreciate that those questions absolutely have to be answered.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whose party leads opinion polls, claimed the incident exemplified how the rights of ethnic minorities are prioritised over those of white British people. In a statement, he said, “The fear of being called racist was greater than dealing with Henry Nowak’s murder. We should respond to this with pure cold rage.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Farage for stoking societal divisions, while emphasising that police should treat all people equally regardless of ethnicity.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Vickrum Digwa, 23, a Sikh man, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for Nowak’s murder. He had lied to police, claiming Nowak had knocked off his turban and injured his eye. Digwa used a knife to stab Nowak, arguing he was permitted to carry it under exemptions for Sikhs regarding ceremonial daggers. However, the knife used was much larger than a traditional kirpan and was carried openly, which is illegal under UK law. Judge William Mousley acknowledged the case had stirred racial tension across Britain.
Family and Official Responses
Nowak’s family described his treatment by police as “inhumane and degrading,” but his father urged that the death should not be “used to create further division, hatred or tension.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed this call for calm, stating, “We must condemn those who seek personal political profit from tragedy.” She warned that threats against police and inflammatory commentary were worsening the situation, and emphasised that public services should assess only the risk a person poses, not their race or religion.
Mahmood also referenced previous efforts to tackle racism in policing, saying, “Whatever changes are made, it is important that nobody over-corrects or course-corrects such that all of us as citizens are no longer equal before the law.”
Police Apology and Resignation
Hampshire Police apologised for the conduct of its officers. On Tuesday, the force confirmed that one officer involved in the arrest had resigned, while three others were being treated as witnesses in the investigation. Nowak died shortly after being handcuffed; once officers realised he was injured, they uncuffed him and began CPR.
The Attorney-General’s Office has received multiple requests to consider raising Digwa’s 21-year minimum sentence, with a decision expected within 28 days.
