Sikh Man Stabs White Victim in Southampton; Video Shows Police Initially Dismissing Bleeding Victim

Hundreds of people gathered in Southampton on Tuesday night and threw chairs, cans, rocks and flares at police officers during a protest over the December death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Two people were arrested and 11 officers plus one police dog were injured, police said.

The demonstration followed the Monday sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was convicted of murder and given a life term with a minimum of 21 years.

Background of the killing Nowak was stabbed during an encounter with Digwa, who is Sikh. Digwa falsely claimed he had been the victim of a racist assault by Nowak, who was white. Officers initially treated Nowak as a suspect before realizing he had been injured and attempting resuscitation.

Video released after the sentencing showed officers dismissing Nowak when he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers' actions.

” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the violence was “completely unacceptable” and warned that those responsible would face the full force of the law. She cited the Nowak family’s call not to use the death to create further division. " — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, June 2, 2026 (Associated Press) Hampshire Police chief constable Alexis Boon acknowledged the desire for answers but said accountability must occur without violence against officers or residents.

” Some politicians have called for restrictions on ceremonial knives known as kirpans after the judge noted Digwa carried both a small kirpan and an 8-inch dagger. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said it will review its anti-racism guidance following the killing.

Mark Nowak, the victim’s father, said the case was not about racism or religion and called for safer streets without further division.