Six more people have been charged with violent disorder after protests in Southampton earlier this week following the murder of Henry Nowak. It brings the total number of people charged after disorder in the port city to 11.
Kevin Reeves, 31, of Portswood Road, Southampton; Andrew Riddett, 38, of Seacombe Green, Southampton; Harry Varney, 34, of Briarswood, Southampton; Taylor Grundy, 22, of Pavillion Way, Gosport; and Dillon Crawford, 29, of Wilton Avenue, Southampton, were charged with violent disorder, Hampshire Police said.
Andrew Summerhayes, 38, of Banning Street, Romsey, was charged with violent disorder and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, the force added. All of them will appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning.
View 3 Images(Image: Getty Images)
The charges come after protests following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, 23, to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old Mr Nowak in December.
Anger erupted after police body-worn video was released showing Mr Nowak being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died.
View 3 Images(Image: Hampshire&IOW Constabulary /SWNS)
The treatment of the 18-year-old triggered a political row, with the Prime Minister urging politicians to heed the teenager’s relatives’ calls not to use the case “to cause disturbances”.
Article continues below
Violent protests erupted near where the student was fatally stabbed, after Digwa claimed he had been the victim of a racial attack, while Mr Nowak was handcuffed by police who ignored his pleas that he could not breathe as he lay dying.
Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.