Henry Nowak, 18, was fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3. He repeatedly told police he had been stabbed, but one officer responded with “I don’t think so, mate.” Officers handcuffed him without providing medical assistance.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, a Sikh man who used a ceremonial blade to stab Nowak five times — including a fatal wound to the heart — claimed he was the victim of a racial attack. His mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, had reportedly taken the knife from the scene.
During the altercation, Nowak said, “I am dying,” but Digwa replied, “You’re not dying, bro.” The police chose to handcuff Nowak instead of seeking medical help.
Digwa was recently convicted for the stabbing. Critics note that unlike George Floyd, who died while restrained by police in 2020 and sparked national protests, Nowak has received no public support or acknowledgment from authorities.
The incident has raised concerns about two-tiered policing practices — where officers prioritize accusations of racism over providing life-saving medical care to victims. Hampshire Police acknowledged that Nowak should not have been handcuffed and stated he was the victim.