The release of new police body camera footage is casting a critical spotlight on local law enforcement, following a tragic incident involving an 18-year-old university student in Southampton. The video, made public on Monday, reveals a distressing encounter where officers handcuffed the young man, who repeatedly pleaded that he had been stabbed and was unable to breathe. This took place just moments before he succumbed to his injuries on the street.
The footage, which emerged in the wake of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa’s murder conviction, captures the harrowing moments after the December 3, 2025, attack. In it, Henry Nowak can be heard desperately telling officers, “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe,” as he lay on the ground.
Despite Nowak’s pleas, one officer is heard dismissively responding, “I don’t think you have, mate,” according to the video evidence.
The decision to handcuff Nowak came after Digwa alleged he was the victim of a racist assault, a claim brought up during court proceedings previously highlighted by Sky News.
A police handout from Hampshire Police features an image of Henry Nowak, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
