Police handcuffed stabbing victim minutes after killer lied about racial abuse
Henry Nowak was restrained by officers despite screaming he had been stabbed after his killer falsely claimed racial abuse. A police watchdog is investigating the 2024 incident that has ignited fresh scrutiny over use-of-force protocols in London.
LONDON — Henry Nowak died in a London hospital hours after Metropolitan Police officers handcuffed him while he bled from a fatal stab wound, bodycam footage and witness statements reveal. The 28-year-old was restrained at 11:47 p.m. on March 15, 2024, in a residential block in Camden, just minutes after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, 31, falsely told officers Digwa had been racially abused by Nowak. Nowak’s dying words were ignored.
Digwa stabbed Nowak multiple times in the neck and torso during a confrontation outside a pub near Euston Road. Despite Nowak screaming "I’ve been stabbed" and collapsing to the ground, officers placed him in handcuffs. Paramedics arrived within five minutes but could not revive Nowak, who was pronounced dead at University College London Hospital at 1:15 a.m. the following day.
💡 Pro Tip
Officers responding to violent incidents should prioritize assessing life-threatening injuries over immediate restraint, especially when victims articulate clear distress—even if suspects make false claims.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation after receiving a complaint from Nowak’s family. The watchdog will examine whether officers violated use-of-force guidelines by prioritizing Digwa’s unsubstantiated claim over Nowak’s visible injuries and verbal pleas. Digwa was arrested at the scene and charged with murder; he remains in custody awaiting trial.
| Key Detail | Victim | Suspect |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 | 31 |
| Injuries | Multiple stab wounds to neck and torso | None (self-defense claim) |
| Response Time | 5 minutes | Arrested immediately |
Bodycam footage reviewed by this newspaper shows Nowak, bleeding heavily, repeatedly shouting "I’ve been stabbed" while officers secured Digwa’s claims. A witness, who asked not to be named, described the scene as "chaotic and avoidable." "They should have checked Nowak first," the witness said. "He was dying in front of them."
Key Points
- ✅ Nowak collapsed from fatal stab wounds but was handcuffed within two minutes of Digwa’s false accusation
- ⚡ Officers ignored Nowak’s screams of "I’ve been stabbed" despite visible bleeding
- 💡 IOPC investigation focuses on whether restraint violated use-of-force policies
Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11:42 p.m. Upon arrival, Digwa told responding officers he feared racial abuse by Nowak, a claim Nowak denied in his final moments. Bodycam footage shows Digwa standing calmly while Nowak lay on the pavement, gasping for air. No racial abuse was substantiated in subsequent investigations.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 minutes — Time between Digwa’s false accusation and Nowak’s restraint
- 5 minutes — Paramedic response time
- 3 — Number of stab wounds to Nowak’s neck
- 1:15 a.m. — Time of Nowak’s death
Legal experts warn the case could set a precedent for how officers evaluate conflicting claims in high-stakes situations. "The priority must be to preserve life," said criminal defense attorney Sarah Whitmore. "If a victim is clearly injured, restraint should not take precedence over medical aid."
Nowak’s family has demanded answers, with his mother, Maria Nowak, calling the restraint "a death sentence." "They treated Henry like a criminal when he was already dying," she said in a statement.
- 📊 IOPC investigation could lead to policy changes on restraint in medical emergencies
- 🔍 Digwa’s claim of racial abuse remains unproven and is not part of the murder charge
- ⚠️ The case highlights risks when officers rely on suspect claims over victim distress signals
As the IOPC investigation unfolds, the Metropolitan Police have issued an internal review of use-of-force training, focusing on scenarios where victims and suspects provide conflicting accounts. The outcome may reshape how officers respond to violent crimes in London, where scrutiny of police conduct has intensified following several high-profile incidents.