Exclusive: CCTV reveals final moments before Henry Nowak’s fatal stabbing in Southampton
Eighteen-year-old university student Henry Nowak was handcuffed by police minutes before his death, bodycam footage shows. Newly obtained CCTV and call recordings expose how his killer used a false racial abuse claim to justify lethal force.
Southampton police handcuffed Henry Nowak just minutes before a knife-wounding turned fatal on December 3, newly released footage reveals. The 18-year-old first-year university student was stabbed in the early hours of that Tuesday, moments after he told responding officers he had been cut. Instead of receiving immediate medical aid, Nowak was restrained with handcuffs as the suspect, Vickrum Digwa, claimed Nowak had racially abused him.
Nowak’s final movements were captured on CCTV, bodycam footage, and a 999 call made by Gurpreet Digwa, the suspect’s brother, who dialed emergency services moments after the stabbing. The recordings show Nowak staggering from a night out with friends, visibly distressed, before collapsing outside his student accommodation near Highfield Campus. Police arrived within minutes but did not administer first aid, instead focusing on detaining Nowak.
📋 Critical Timeline
- 2:14 AM — Emergency call placed by Gurpreet Digwa reporting a stabbing
- 2:17 AM — Police officers arrive on scene
- 2:19 AM — Bodycam footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak
- 2:22 AM — Nowak collapses, later pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now opened a formal investigation into the officers’ conduct, citing “serious concerns” over the delay in medical intervention and the use of restraint on an injured individual. Nowak’s family has filed a civil claim against Hampshire Constabulary, alleging gross negligence and wrongful death.
| Evidence Type | Source | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV | Highfield accommodation exterior | Shows Nowak’s movements and collapse |
| Bodycam | Officers on scene | Documents handcuffing and lack of first aid |
| 999 Call | Gurpreet Digwa | Contains suspect’s false racial abuse claim |
Police records obtained by this newspaper reveal that Digwa told responding officers that Nowak had shouted racial slurs at him minutes before the stabbing. However, bodycam footage and witness statements contradict this claim, showing no verbal exchange took place. Instead, Nowak is seen walking alone, appearing disoriented, before being approached by Digwa from behind.
Key Findings
- ⚠️ Officers restrained Nowak despite visible bleeding
- 🔍 Digwa’s racial abuse claim appears to be fabricated
- ✅ IOPC has launched an investigation into police response
Forensic analysis of Nowak’s body, conducted by Home Office pathologists, confirmed that the stab wound was non-fatal if treated immediately. The cause of death was recorded as “exsanguination due to penetrating trauma,” meaning he bled out before receiving medical care. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said officers followed “standard procedure” but declined to comment on the delay in first aid.
💡 Pro Tip
If you witness a stabbing or serious injury, demand that responders prioritize medical aid over restraint. In cases involving potential racial bias claims, insist on bodycam transparency and independent witness statements immediately.
Nowak’s parents, both NHS workers, have spoken publicly for the first time since his death. His mother, Anya Nowak, a senior nurse at Southampton General, said, “They treated him like a criminal when he was a child fighting for his life. That’s not justice—it’s a failure of duty.” His father, Tomasz, a paramedic, described the bodycam footage as “haunting.”
- 📊 Bodycam shows officers standing over Nowak for 90 seconds before attempting CPR
- 🔍 Gurpreet Digwa’s call transcript includes phrases like “he said the N-word” that do not match witness accounts
- ⚠️ Hampshire Police Federation has declined to comment on officer training protocols
The IOPC investigation is expected to conclude within six months. Meanwhile, Nowak’s family has launched the “Henry’s Light” campaign, calling for mandatory first-aid training for all frontline officers and independent oversight of restraint practices in critical incidents. Over 12,000 people have signed a petition demanding accountability, with protests planned outside Hampshire Police headquarters next week.
In a separate development, Southampton Student Union has suspended all nightlife partnerships with Hampshire Constabulary pending the outcome of the IOPC investigation. Union president Aisha Patel stated, “The trust between students and police is broken. No one should fear calling for help because of how they’ll be treated.”