'I Can't Breathe': Video Of UK Student Henry Nowak's Final Moments Sparks Outrage, PM Starmer Reacts
'I Can't Breathe': Video Of UK Student Henry Nowak's Final Moments Sparks Outrage, PM Starmer Reacts Published By, Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 03:08 IST
'I Can't Breathe': Video Of UK Student Henry Nowak's Final Moments Sparks Outrage, PM Starmer Reacts Published By, Last Updated: June 03, 2026, 03:08 IST The footage, which has triggered widespread outrage, shows Nowak repeatedly telling police officers that he could not breathe as he lay handcuffed on the ground after the attack. Rapid Read Nowak was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who allegedly misled police at the scene by claiming that he had been the victim of a racist attack. But officers handcuffed Nowak despite him suffering multiple stab wounds. (Photos: X) “I can’t breathe." Those were the final words of 18-year-old Henry Nowak before he died after being stabbed, according to police bodycam footage released by UK authorities. The footage, which has triggered widespread outrage, shows Nowak repeatedly telling police officers that he could not breathe as he lay handcuffed on the ground after the attack. One officer can be heard replying: “I don’t think you have, mate." Nowak was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who allegedly misled police at the scene by claiming that he had been the victim of a racist attack. But officers handcuffed Nowak despite him suffering multiple stab wounds. The teenager sustained injuries to his legs and a fatal wound to the heart from a 21cm (8-inch) blade.
Digwa later told the court that he carried the knife as part of his Sikh faith. Although the killing took place in December last year, the bodycam footage has only recently come to light after Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. Nowak’s parents described the treatment of their son as “inhumane" and “degrading", questioning why he was restrained while critically injured. Hampshire Police has apologised to the family, while the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the actions of the officers involved. Starmer Says Footage Was ‘Harrowing’ Reacting to the footage, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there were “serious questions" that needed to be answered about the police response. Calling the video “really harrowing", Starmer said he had “felt sick watching it". The Prime Minister also said authorities must examine how allegations of racism influenced decision-making at the scene. “The question of how accusations of racism informed decision-making must be addressed," he said. Starmer did not rule out a wider public inquiry but said the ongoing IOPC investigation should be allowed to proceed first. “It’s important the IOPC do their work at first, but I’m not saying there shouldn’t be a wider inquiry.
Of course I’m not," he said. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the unrest that followed the release of the footage, describing it as “completely unacceptable". She noted that the Nowak family had urged people not to use Henry’s death to fuel division or hatred. “There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder," Mahmood said. Massive Protests In Southampton The footage triggered massive protests and clashes with police in Southampton, the city where Henry Nowak was killed. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson addressed a rally in the city, alleging that police treat white Britons as “second-rate citizens". He claimed that Nowak would not have been handcuffed had he belonged to a different ethnic background. Following the rally, protesters marched through Southampton city centre towards the scene of the stabbing. Police blocked several roads as tensions escalated. More than 1,000 people gathered outside Southampton’s main police station, chanting slogans such as “Two-tier scum" and “Shame on you", while waving Union Jack and England flags. Later, a group of protesters moved towards the residential neighbourhood where the attack took place and confronted riot police. Some demonstrators, several of whom were masked, allegedly tore apart garden fences and threw bricks, flares and chairs at officers.
A burning wheelie bin was also rolled towards police lines. Police responded by deploying public-order tactics, including the use of incapacitant spray and riot shields, as they attempted to disperse the crowd and restore order. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Saurabh Verma Senior Sub-editor Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Location: London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: June 03, 2026, 03:05 IST News world 'I Can't Breathe': Video Of UK Student Henry Nowak's Final Moments Sparks Outrage, PM Starmer Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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