Violence erupts in Southampton after protest over Henry Nowak killing
Eleven officers and a police dog were injured as chaos unfolded during a protest sparked by the release of bodycam footage showing mishandling of the Henry Nowak murder case. Two arrests made amid bottles, makeshift weapons, and targeted attacks on homes and officers.
Southampton descended into disorder last night after hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside the Central Police Station, ignited by the release of bodycam footage showing officers allegedly mistreating Henry Nowak before his death. Eleven officers and a police dog were injured, with two people now arrested on suspicion of assaulting officers and weapons possession.
The protest began peacefully but escalated violently after speakers including Tommy Robinson and Laurence Fox addressed the crowd, demanding accountability for police actions in the immediate aftermath of Nowak’s stabbing. Demonstrators then marched to the Digwa family home on St Denys Road, where bottles and makeshift weapons were thrown, vehicles and homes were damaged, and officers were targeted.
Key Points
- ✅ Eleven officers and one police dog injured during violent protest
- ⚡ Two arrests made for assaulting officers and weapons possession
- 💡 Protest erupted after bodycam footage raised questions over Nowak’s treatment
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the disorder, with Chief Constable Alexis Boon condemning the violence and warning that resources were being diverted from community safety. Boon stated that while officers are accountable, the scenes of disorder were unacceptable and that further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
| Incident | Police Response | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Protest outside Southampton Central Police Station | Officers deployed to control crowd | Under review |
| Violent clashes on St Denys Road | Bottles and weapons thrown; homes and vehicles damaged | Two arrested |
| Police dog injured during disorder | Veterinary assessment underway | Stable |
Nowak, an 18-year-old finance student from Essex, was stabbed five times in Portswood on December 3, 2025, while walking home from a night out. The suspect, Vickrum Digwa, claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging a racist attack, but was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
📋 By The Numbers
- 5 — Stab wounds inflicted on Henry Nowak
- 21 years — Minimum term for convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa
- 2 — Arrests made following violent disorder
The bodycam footage released by police shows officers handcuffing Nowak after he repeatedly told them he had been stabbed, raising serious questions about decision-making at the scene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the actions of officers involved.
💡 Pro Tip
If attending protests, carry clear identification and avoid confrontations. Police are under immense pressure to maintain order, and violent incidents can escalate rapidly.
Witnesses described the chaos as shocking, with residents reporting makeshift barricades and threats directed at officers. Boon assured the public that specialist intelligence teams are supporting frontline officers to identify those responsible for the disorder.
- December 3, 2025 — Henry Nowak stabbed in Portswood, Southampton
- June 1, 2026 — Bodycam footage released, sparking protest
- June 2, 2026 — Violent clashes erupt; two arrests made
- Present — IOPC investigation into police conduct underway
The unrest has intensified scrutiny of police procedures in high-profile cases, with calls for transparency growing louder. Community leaders are urging calm while awaiting the outcome of the IOPC’s findings.
- 📊 Bodycam footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak despite his injuries
- 🔍 IOPC investigation focuses on police actions at the scene
- ⚠️ Violent protesters targeted both officers and innocent residents