Police Face Scrutiny After Dismissing Dying Teen’s Stabbing Pleas as Southampton Protest Turns Violent Following Killer’s Sentencing

Hundreds of people gathered late Tuesday in Southampton to protest the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was killed in December. Some in the crowd threw chairs, cans, rocks and flares at police officers. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced Monday to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.

The judge said he did not believe Nowak had said anything racist to his attacker and noted that Digwa carried both a small kirpan and an 8-inch sheathed Sikh dagger used in the killing. Police released video after the sentencing that showed officers initially dismissing Nowak when he told them he had been stabbed and repeatedly said he could not breathe.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the actions of officers from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said it will review its anti-racism guidance.