Henry Nowak murder to be probed, Home Secretary announces | Politics | News
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak. The 18-year-old student was handcuffed as he lay dying after being fatally stabbed in Southampton on December 3 2025.
In police body-worn camera footage Mr Nowak could be heard repeatedly saying: “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer replies: “Don’t think you have, mate.”
The review will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk and will look at “any missed opportunities to intervene”, Ms Mahmood told the Commons.
The probe will examine what was known about the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, in the five years before the attack. It will also investigate police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations, including any concerns relating to weapon possession and violent, threatening and erratic behaviour.
Ms Mahmood said: “Henry was just 18 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. His murder was a horrific and senseless crime, and my thoughts remain with his family and friends, who have endured unimaginable loss and heartbreak.
“The Nowak family have shown extraordinary courage and dignity in their pursuit of answers. Henry’s case has raised serious and legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy, and about the response of public authorities in its aftermath.
“This review will leave no stone unturned in seeking those answers. I am grateful to Alex Chalk for agreeing to lead this important work. He brings considerable experience and expertise, and I know he will conduct the review with the rigour, independence and seriousness that Henry’s case demands.”
Digwa was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years on June 1 this year, for Mr Nowak’s murder.
Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, was also jailed for three years for assisting an offender after she removed the knife used by her son.
Mr Nowak’s family are set to speak about their fight for answers in an ITV News programme to be aired on November 5, with his father Mark heard saying in a preview: “I’m determined to find out what happened.”
In a statement, the Nowak family added: “At last, some positive news. Today’s announcement of the Henry Nowak Independent Review is a significant moment in our fight for justice.
“Since Henry was murdered, we’ve fought tirelessly for answers to questions no family should ever have to ask. The emotional toll of that fight, on top of the unimaginable grief of losing Henry, has been immense.
“We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for. Our experience of the criminal justice system has been deeply disappointing, and we are determined that no other family should have to endure what we have.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch MP said Henry’s family have “waited far too long for answers”
She added: “Henry was just eighteen when he was murdered. When the police arrived, he would have believed help had come. The lack of common sense and compassion shown to him in his final moments was a shocking failure by the state. His family were then failed in the months that followed.
“When a child dies, a family is changed forever. They should not then have to spend their lives fighting to establish what went wrong and who was responsible. That is why I called for this review. There must be proper accountability for those who failed Henry and his family.
“The Conservatives will scrutinise this review to ensure it delivers the answers Henry’s family deserve.”
