Six charged after violent protests erupt in Southampton over Nowak case
Charges filed against six men following clashes in Southampton over the Henry Nowak stabbing incident. All accused remanded in custody ahead of Southampton Magistrates' Court appearance.
Six men have been charged with violent disorder following violent protests in Southampton Tuesday night, marking the latest escalation in the fallout from the Henry Nowak stabbing case.
Hampshire Police confirmed the six men, aged between 22 and 38, were taken into custody and will appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court. Four of the accused are from Southampton, one from Gosport, and one from Romsey. Five face solely violent disorder charges, while the sixth, Andrew Summerhayes, 38, also faces two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Key Points
- ⚡ Six men charged with violent disorder after Tuesday night protests in Southampton
- 🔒 All six remanded in custody, due in Southampton Magistrates' Court
- 📍 Accused include residents from Southampton, Gosport, and Romsey
The protests erupted after the release of police bodycam footage showing 18-year-old Henry Nowak being handcuffed following the stabbing death of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa. Digwa was fatally injured in a confrontation that unfolded in the city Monday. Nowak, who allegedly stabbed Digwa, was subsequently jailed for life on Monday.
| Accused | Age | Address | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Reeves | 31 | Portswood Road, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Andrew Riddett | 38 | Seacombe Green, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Harry Varney | 34 | Briarswood, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Taylor Grundy | 22 | Pavilion Way, Gosport | Violent disorder |
| Dillon Crawford | 29 | Wilton Avenue, Southampton | Violent disorder |
| Andrew Summerhayes | 38 | Banning Street, Romsey | Violent disorder, two counts of offensive weapon possession |
Police and protesters clashed violently in Southampton on Tuesday evening, with officers using protective shields as crowds threw objects. The unrest followed the emotional release of bodycam footage that intensified public reaction to the case. Nowak's sentencing on Monday for the fatal stabbing of Digwa had already heightened tensions in the community.
💡 Pro Tip
Legal experts warn that possession charges in public disorder cases can significantly increase sentencing severity, particularly when offensive weapons are involved.
The total number of individuals charged following the protests now stands at 11, with five more still awaiting court proceedings. Hampshire Police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the legal process unfolds. The force has increased patrols in the affected areas, citing concerns over further unrest.
📋 By The Numbers
- 11 — Total individuals charged after protests
- 18 — Age of Henry Nowak at time of stabbing
- 23 — Age of Vickrum Digwa at time of death
- Tuesday — Date of violent protests in Southampton
Community leaders have called for restraint, emphasizing the importance of allowing the judicial process to determine accountability. Meanwhile, Hampshire Police continue to investigate the initial stabbing incident that sparked the protests, with no further arrests announced at this stage.