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A police watchdog is investigating two Hampshire officers for potential gross misconduct in connection with the arrest and death of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak in December 2025.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the officers, who were the first on the scene, are accused of failing to recognise that Nowak needed urgent medical help after he was stabbed multiple times. While handcuffed with his hands behind his back, Nowak repeatedly told officers he had been stabbed and couldn’t breathe, but one officer allegedly dismissed his pleas, responding along the lines of “Don’t think you have, mate.”
The IOPC is examining whether the officers breached standards on duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. This includes their decision to arrest and handcuff Nowak rather than provide immediate first aid. One officer is also accused of breaching standards on authority, respect, and courtesy for appearing to dismiss Nowak’s report of being stabbed.
The watchdog is additionally assessing whether the officers’ actions were influenced by the race or religion of either Nowak or his attacker, Vickrum Digwa, or by community tensions at the time, including nearby migrant protests. Nowak’s family has raised concerns about differences in treatment: while Nowak was handcuffed as he lay dying, Digwa was not handcuffed during his arrest or four days in custody.
Digwa, 23, was sentenced in early June to a minimum of 21 years in prison for Nowak’s murder. During his arrest, he claimed Nowak had assaulted him and made racist comments, and said his family had previously been victims of racist attacks.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said investigators have met with Nowak’s family and noted that public confidence in the police may have been seriously damaged by the incident. Serving gross misconduct notices does not automatically lead to disciplinary proceedings; a final decision will be made after the investigation concludes.
The case has raised broader questions about policing, two-tier treatment allegations, and the impact of diversity training within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
This article was originally published by SnDMedia.
