The case of Henry Nowak, who was stabbed to death in December 2025, has taken a disturbing turn with the release of bodycam footage showing the moment the police officers responded to his pleas for help.
In the footage, 18-year-old Henry can be heard repeatedly telling the officers that he had been stabbed and was unable to breathe, but one of the officers dismisses his claims, saying: 'You've been stabbed? Whereabouts? I don't think you have, mate.'
Henry suffered two stab wounds to the back of his legs and a fatal wound to his heart. He was pronounced dead at the scene on December 4, 2025, after being arrested by the police.
The footage has sparked outrage, with the police department apologizing to Henry's family for their officers' actions.
Henry's killer, Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. However, his sentence is being reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Scheme.
Following Digwa's sentencing, riots erupted in Southampton, leading to multiple arrests. Protesters gathered outside the police station before moving towards the killer's house.
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of stoking division with his comments, saying: 'I start my answer to your question through the eyes of the family. They said they do not want this whipped up, they've been through the most extraordinary, awful experience.'
Nigel Farage called for 'pure, cold rage' in response to Henry's death, blaming it on a culture of 'anti-white prejudice' and 'two-tier policing' that, he claims, deprioritises white people.
The police department has acknowledged that their actions were not adequate, with Chief Constable Alexis Boon saying: 'I want to say to [Henry's] family, we understand, we get it, we know why they are so distraught and upset, which is why we made the apologies.'
The case has raised concerns about police accountability and the need for a culture change in how police respond to incidents.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability from the police department.
