A senior police figure has warned that false claims of anti-white bias within UK policing, fueled by politicians and far-right activists, could drive the service back to the 1960s. The warning comes amid violent clashes in Southampton following the death of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak.
Chief Inspector Speaks Out
Chief Inspector Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, expressed concern that baseless assertions about two-tier policing were undermining decades of progress. He specifically criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for stoking tensions with provocative statements after Nowak's murder.
“There is a danger of policing going back to a time long before Stephen Lawrence’s murder, to the 1960s and 1970s, because of the attacks from the far right which have been growing over the past few years, and which are becoming more mainstream,” George said.
Nowak's Death Sparks National Debate
Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed in December 2025 by Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed he had been racially attacked. Police arriving at the scene treated Nowak as a suspect, handcuffing him despite his pleas that he had been stabbed and could not breathe. Body camera footage of his final moments has been described as “traumatic” by police sources.
Nowak's father, Mark, condemned the “inhumane and degrading” treatment of his son but urged against using the tragedy to create further division. “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to help make our streets safer for everyone,” he said.
Police Apologize, But Reject Bias Claims
Hampshire Chief Constable Alexis Boon apologized for the way Nowak was arrested and handcuffed, but firmly rejected claims of anti-white bias. “I don’t accept the term of two-tier policing, I don’t recognise it,” Boon said. He added that some criticism of the force had been “unfair.”
Sir Andy Cooke, former chief inspector of constabulary, told the Guardian he found no evidence of anti-white bias during his five-year tenure. He accused politicians like Farage of trying to “exploit” the case “to boost their political fortunes” and worsen community tensions.
Political Reactions and Violence
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Farage’s call for “pure, cold rage” in response to the case, calling it “unforgivable” and noting that Nowak’s family had explicitly asked for calm. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also warned against divisive rhetoric.
Violence erupted in Southampton on Tuesday after protests led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Eleven officers were injured in clashes. Police have ordered a nationwide increase in intelligence gathering about potential far-right violence.
Community Impact
In the Portswood area of Southampton, residents and politicians condemned the violence. Satvir Khan, MP for Southampton Test, said she had received death threats and now requires a security guard. Community leaders reported a rise in hate crimes against Sikh people, with extra police patrols around Sikh buildings.
Former police officer Christi Hill was forced to flee after being falsely accused online of involvement in Nowak's arrest. She had left the force more than a year before the murder. She criticized social media and AI platforms, including Elon Musk’s Grok, for spreading the false claim.
Review of Anti-Racism Policies
Government and police are discussing a review of police commitments to tackling racial bias, with ministers concerned that some wording was clumsy and open to attack. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the incident.
Lady Lawrence, whose son Stephen was murdered in 1993, expressed condolences to Nowak’s family and said the police were at fault for what happened that night. “My condolences go out to Henry Nowak’s family. I think what’s happened with him should never have happened. And the police should be at fault for what happened on that night,” she said.
