Henry Nowak Family Accuses Hampshire Police of Shifting Narrative

The family of Henry Nowak has formally accused Hampshire police of manipulating the narrative surrounding the teenager's death. Nowak, 18, was stabbed in December 2025 while walking home from a night out in Southampton. Officers arrested him as he begged for medical attention, a sequence of events that his parents describe as a series of shifting official stories.

Mark Nowak, the victim's father, detailed the inconsistencies in police testimony during an interview with ITV News. He stated that initial accounts claimed officers administered first aid immediately upon arrival. That version evolved to say officers detained everyone present. Later accounts specified that only Henry was detained, then that he was handcuffed, and finally that he was placed under arrest. Mark Nowak said the family felt hoodwinked by the evolution of facts.

Katie Nowak, the victim's stepmother, expressed fear that authorities prioritized police reputation over the family's needs. She said she believes the family was manipulated during their darkest hours. She added that she feels the family was failed multiple times throughout the process.

Lucy Ross, Henry's mother, questioned why officers dismissed her son's complaints of pain. She noted that Henry told police nine times that he could not breathe and had been stabbed. An officer responded to these pleas by saying, 'Don't think you have, mate.' Ross asked why her son was treated so badly in his final moments when he clearly needed help.

Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed Nowak, was jailed for life in the murder case. Digwa had falsely accused the teenager of racial abuse. Bodyworn camera footage showed Nowak repeatedly stating he had been stabbed while bleeding. The footage sparked a public outcry over the police response.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police watchdog, is currently investigating the case. In April, the IOPC stated that no Hampshire officers would face conduct or criminal investigation because no concerns were identified regarding officer actions. Less than two months after that statement, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary issued an apology for its actions.

Chief Constable Alexis Boon told ITV News that the force was incredibly sorry for failing Henry in his final moments. She acknowledged that the family has raised serious concerns about the police response and their treatment during the investigation. Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has launched a separate review to examine whether opportunities were missed to prevent the murder.

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director of engagement, said the watchdog is committed to establishing the full circumstances of the case. He stated the investigation will determine if any officers should face disciplinary proceedings. The goal, he said, is to provide the family with answers about how police treated Henry and why.