SOUTHAMPTON — The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a gross misconduct investigation into two police officers concerning their actions following the stabbing of Henry Nowak in Southampton on 3 December 2025. The officers are under investigation for handcuffing Nowak and treating him as a suspect after Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed Nowak, falsely reported being the victim of a racist attack.

Nowak, 18, died after being stabbed by Digwa. Two police officers were the first to arrive at the scene late in the evening of 3 December 2025. Evidence indicates the officers took eight minutes to discover Nowak's stab wound, despite him telling police he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

The IOPC stated potential breaches relate to failures to recognise Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to act immediately after he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff him rather than provide immediate first aid. The police watchdog also noted an indication that one officer may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy for appearing to dismiss Nowak saying he had been stabbed.

Derrick Campbell, an IOPC official, confirmed the investigation. "We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved," Campbell said. "As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations." He stated investigators met with Nowak's family earlier in the month to discuss the investigation now that criminal proceedings have concluded. The IOPC had previously treated the officers as witnesses, but changed their status following meetings with the Nowak family and their lawyer, and a formal complaint from the family.

Campbell said, "There's clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence." The investigation will consider whether race was a factor in the officers' response. The IOPC will examine if the race or religion of Nowak or the Digwa family impacted the officers' actions and decision-making. It will also investigate why Nowak was handcuffed while Digwa was not when Digwa was arrested for attempted murder.

Digwa was arrested for attempted murder after police realized Nowak had been stabbed. Digwa has been convicted of Nowak's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. Senior government law officers are appealing Digwa's sentence on the basis that it is unduly lenient.