Protesters clash with police in Southampton after sentencing in teenager's death

Protesters threw chairs, cans, rocks and flares at police officers in Southampton late Tuesday during a demonstration over the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Two people were arrested and 11 officers along with a police dog were injured, police said.

The protest followed the Monday sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, who was convicted of murdering Nowak and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years.

Background on the case Nowak was stabbed in December.

Police initially treated him as a suspect before attempting to resuscitate him. Video later showed officers dismissing his statements that he had been stabbed and could not breathe. The judge said he did not believe Nowak had made racist remarks to Digwa. Digwa had falsely claimed he was the victim of a racist assault by Nowak.

Official responses Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the case raised serious questions about how accusations of racism informed police actions. He described the street violence as disgraceful and unacceptable. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the violence was completely unacceptable and that the Nowak family had called for the death not to be used to create division or tension.

Hampshire Police chief constable Alexis Boon said accountability must be pursued without threatening officers or bringing violence to the streets. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers' actions. The National Police Chiefs' Council said it will review its anti-racism guidance.