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Independent review announced into Henry Nowak's murder

Summarised from 7 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 26 Oct, 15:50 · Archive

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, to be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak on 26 October 2026, to be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC. The 18-year-old finance student from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was stabbed to death in Southampton on 3 December 2025.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years in June 2026. At the scene, Digwa falsely claimed to police that Nowak had racially abused him, acted in self-defence, and punched him, knocking off his turban. Digwa is Sikh.

Police bodycam footage released after the trial showed Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying. In the footage, Nowak repeatedly told officers he had been stabbed, to which one officer replied: 'I don't think you have, mate.' The release of this footage sparked intense scrutiny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and wider debates around knife laws, race and policing.

Mahmood told the House of Commons: 'Henry's case has raised serious and legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy, and about the response of public authorities in its aftermath. This review will leave no stone unturned in seeking those answers.'

The review will investigate what was known about Digwa ahead of the murder, including any missed opportunities to intervene. It will also examine how the Nowak family was treated by the criminal justice system and whether they received adequate support.

According to the Home Office, the review will be carried out in two phases. Phase one will examine the police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations, investigating whether any concerns were raised about weapon possession and violent behaviour, and whether there were missed opportunities to prevent the murder. It is expected to report by March 2027.

Phase two will follow after the Independent Office for Police Conduct concludes its investigation into the actions of police officers who attended the scene. An investigation into potential gross misconduct by two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers was launched following Digwa's trial.

The Nowak family said in a statement: 'Today's announcement of the Henry Nowak Independent Review is a significant moment in our fight for justice. We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for.'

Independent review announced into Henry Nowak's murder
Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

In this story: Henry Nowak · Vickrum Digwa · Alex Chalk · Shabana Mahmood · Southampton · Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary · Independent Office for Police Conduct

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