Officers in Nowak case face gross misconduct investigation

A young man smiling wearing a white shirt and a blue tie. He is sitting in front of a green bush. He has brown hair. — Image caption,

Henry Nowak was 18 when he was stabbed to death in a Southampton street

Two police officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct following the case of Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed and arrested as he lay dying, the police watchdog has said.

Nowak, 18, was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa with a large blade in December 2025, which he said he carried on grounds of his Sikh faith. He then lied to police at the scene, falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack.

Digwa was jailed for life on in June, with a minimum term of 21 years.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said evidence suggested the two officers who arrived first may have breached professional standards.

The IOPC said it relates to potential failures by the officers to recognise he needed urgent medical help and the decision to arrest and handcuff him rather than provide first aid.

The watchdog added: “There’s also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed.”

It said Henry’s family had been told of our decision.

Custody photograph of Vickrum Digwa wearing a turban and grey sweatshirt. — Image caption,

Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years on 1 June

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: “Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded.

“Two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations. There is 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 serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”