Family of murdered student Henry Nowak say police misled and manipulated them
The family of murdered student Henry Nowak have accused Hampshire police of misleading them and manipulating them during the investigation into his death.
Henry Nowak's family say they were misled by Hampshire police about the circumstances of his death and fear they were manipulated during their darkest hour.
The 18-year-old was stabbed to death in Southampton in December 2025 while walking home from a night out. His stepmother, Katie Nowak, said the family felt they had been failed multiple times.
The family allege that police initially told them Henry was the aggressor and that officers had immediately administered first aid. These claims were later contradicted by bodyworn camera footage.
Henry's mother, Lucy Ross, said her son told the police nine times that he had been stabbed and could not breathe. She said an officer replied, “Don’t think you have, mate,” before handcuffing him.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the case. The watchdog had initially insisted in April that no Hampshire police officers would be subject to conduct or criminal investigation.
The IOPC director of engagement, Derrick Campbell, said the office is committed to establishing the full circumstances of the case and providing the family with answers.
Police watchdog launches investigation
The IOPC's initial assessment in April was that there were no concerns identified in relation to officer actions. Less than two months later, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was forced to apologise for its actions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has launched a review to examine whether opportunities were missed to prevent the murder.
Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed Henry, was eventually jailed for life. Digwa had falsely accused Henry of racial abuse during the incident.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight chief constable Alexis Boon expressed deep regret for the response to Henry's death.
“I am incredibly sorry that in his final moments, when he needed us most, we failed him. I recognise that, for Henry’s family, this has been about more than the circumstances of one night. They have rightly raised serious concerns about the police response and their treatment throughout the investigation and since.”
The family continues to demand answers about how Henry was treated by police in his final moments.
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