Home Secretary orders review into Henry Nowak murder

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

The Home Secretary has announced an independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old University of Southampton student.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old University of Southampton student who was fatally stabbed on 3 December 2025. The review will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk KC and will investigate what was known about the perpetrator and whether there were any missed opportunities to intervene.

The review will also consider the Nowak family's experience of the criminal justice system and whether they were supported appropriately. It will examine the actions of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and, if necessary, the police, once the IOPC has concluded its investigation.

Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on 1 June for the murder. Digwa's mother, Kiran Kaur, was also jailed for three years for assisting an offender after she removed the knife used in the killing. At the scene, Mr Nowak was handcuffed as he lay dying following a false claim of racial abuse made by Digwa.

How it is being reported

• Independent review into murder of Henry Nowak to take place to look for "missed opportunities"Home Secretary announces independent review into murder of Henry NowakThe News, Portsmouth · 26 Oct, 15:45
• Home Secretary announces review into Henry Nowak murderAn independent review into Henry Nowak's murder has been announced by the Home Secretary, who has pledged to provide answers for his familySouthern Daily Echo · 26 Oct, 15:36

In this story: Henry Nowak · Shabana Mahmood · Alex Chalk KC · Vickrum Digwa · Kiran Kaur · University of Southampton · Southampton

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