Two Hampshire officers face misconduct probe over treatment of teen stabbed by Sikh man Vickrum Digwa

Published 1 July 2026 · health

Henry Nowak and Vickrum Digwa Probe focuses on arrest decision and medical response Watchdog expands inquiry Role of race and religion under scrutiny Killer jailed

Henry Nowak and Vickrum Digwa Probe focuses on arrest decision and medical response Watchdog expands inquiry Role of race and religion under scrutiny Killer jailed for life Protests and further proceedings Two Hampshire Constabulary police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct over their handling of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed and arrested while suffering fatal stab wounds after being attacked by Sikh man Vickrum Singh Digwa in Southampton in December 2025.Digwa was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.According to a report by the BBC, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said evidence suggests the officers who first arrived at the scene may have breached professional standards by failing to recognise that Nowak required urgent medical treatment and by choosing to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing immediate first aid.The watchdog said its investigation will examine whether the officers failed to adequately respond after Nowak repeatedly stated that he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe.

One officer is also being investigated over concerns that he appeared to dismiss the teenager’s claim that he had been attacked.IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said investigators had recently met Nowak’s family following the conclusion of criminal proceedings and had reviewed evidence gathered during the inquiry.“As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations,” Campbell said, adding that public confidence in policing may have been seriously damaged by the incident.The IOPC stressed that the issuance of gross misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary proceedings will follow. A final decision will be taken once the investigation is complete.The watchdog said it had widened the scope of its investigation after discussions with Nowak’s family, who lodged formal complaints about the force’s actions.The inquiry will assess decisions made by officers at the scene, including the use of handcuffs, the first aid provided, and the handling of emergency calls by Hampshire Constabulary control room staff. Investigators will also review information passed to attending officers and ambulance personnel.The IOPC said it is examining whether the race or religion of either Nowak or the family of his killer, Vickrum Digwa, influenced police actions or decision-making.Investigators will also consider whether assumptions about community tensions in Southampton at the time affected officers’ responses.