Henry Nowak died in the back of a police van on May 12 after officers responded to a report of a disturbance near his home in Rusholme, Manchester. Bodycam footage released today shows Nowak, a 28-year-old Black NHS worker, being restrained by officers for over eight minutes. His family says the force’s actions were excessive and racially motivated. An independent review, led by former High Court judge Dame Sarah Whitmore, will examine the incident and broader policing practices in the area.

Nowak’s death has reignited national debates over racial bias in UK policing, particularly in stop-and-search cases. According to Home Office data, Black people are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people in England and Wales. In Greater Manchester, the disparity is even starker: Black individuals are 11 times more likely to face such interactions. Nowak’s family has called for systemic reforms, including mandatory unconscious bias training for all officers.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating whether officers breached procedure during Nowak’s restraint. Witnesses, including a paramedic on scene, reported hearing Nowak plead for help and say he couldn’t breathe before he lost consciousness. Officers involved have been placed on restricted duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable David Regan admitted the force had failed Nowak and his family, stating, “This should not have happened.”

In a press conference today, Nowak’s sister, Amara Nowak, described her brother as a “gentle soul” who had no history of violence. She said the family was “devastated” by the footage and demanded justice. “He was not a threat,” she said. “He was a brother, a son, and a valued member of our community.” The family has also filed a civil claim against the force, seeking damages for wrongful death and emotional distress.

Local activists in Rusholme have organized vigils and protests, demanding accountability. Rev. Dr. Elijah Thompson, a community leader, said, “This is not an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a system that treats Black lives as disposable.” The case has drawn comparisons to the 2020 death of Belly Mujinga, another Black man who died after being spat on by a member of the public and restrained by police during the pandemic. In both cases, officers faced no immediate consequences.

Greater Manchester Police has pledged to review its use-of-force policies and increase community engagement. However, critics argue that apologies and reviews are not enough without tangible changes. The force’s track record on racial bias has been scrutinized before, including a 2021 report that found disproportionate use of stop-and-search powers in Black and minority ethnic communities. Nowak’s case could become a turning point—or another unanswered tragedy in a long line of failures.