WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Bodycam footage from police officers who reported to the incident involving student Henry Nowak has been made public showing the moments before he died from stab wounds
Shocking bodycam footage of the moment stabbed student Henry Nowak pleads “I have been stabbed” while in handcuffs as a police officer responds “I don’t think you have mate”.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 21 years for stabbing Nowak with a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade, which he carried as part of his religion.
The family of an 18-year-old student who died after being handcuffed police following being stabbed, have hit out at the “shocking” treatment of their son by police and called for urgent action to address a “national emergency” of knife crime.
Nowak’s family gave permission for the distressing bodycam footage to be shared, which shows their son injured in handcuffs on the ground.
The bodycam footage shows Nowak in a pool of blood on the drive of a home in Southampton. He can be heard calling out to officers ‘I’ve been stabbed’ three times.
An officer then appears to dismiss his pleas for help and replied: “you’ve been stabbed? Whereabouts? I don’t think you have mate”.
Nowak was placed into cuffs and under arrest on suspicion of assault. He was heard calling out ‘I can’t breathe’ as officers placed him on his side to check for his wounds. A female officer is later heard calling for an ambulance.
Henry Nowak’s father Mark has now called for a “full, fearless and transparent” investigation into the police handling of his son’s murder.
Mr Nowak described the police treatment of his son as “shocking” and added: “The IOPC investigation remains ongoing.
“While we await its final report, we are calling on the Home Secretary to ensure that the IOPC has the resources, authority and independence it needs to conduct a full, fearless and transparent investigation.
“Our family should not have to fight for the truth any more.”
Tech billionaire Elon Musk posted on X an offer to fund a private prosecution against the police, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The Prime Minister said “it is right” that the police watchdog is investigating.
On social media, Sir Keir Starmer said: “This an awful, shocking case.
“Henry’s loved ones have gone through the trauma of a long trial and endured Henry’s killer making up appalling claims about their son who was thoughtful, kind and deeply loved.
“It is right that the IOPC is investigating the police’s response to his senseless murder. And we must end the cycle of tragedy by tackling the horror of knife crime.
“Henry’s family, friends, his university and the city of Southampton will continue to feel his loss, and our thoughts will always be with them.”
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