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The way police treated a student who was handcuffed moments before he died from horrific stab wounds is a “national disgrace”, Shabana Mahmood has been told. Officers from Hampshire Constabulary restrained Henry Nowak, despite his pleas for help, after killer Vickrum Digwa accused him of racism.

Digwa, who was convicted of murder on Thursday, stabbed Mr Nowak five times with a Sikh ceremonial sword, in Southampton on December 3. But police chiefs faced widespread fury after it emerged officers handcuffed Mr Nowak over the supposed racist slur – despite the teenager losing consciousness from his knife wounds.

Reform’s Robert Jenrick declared: “We need to see the body-worn footage and these officers need to face consequences. The treatment of this murdered student, in his dying moments, is a national scandal.”

He added in a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood: “According to testimonies in court, Henry warned that he had been stabbed when police arrived at the scene.

“As he bled out, the prosecution allege the police arrested Henry based on claims he had been racially abusive.

“When Henry collapsed, the police gave him first aid, but it was too late. He died soon after from his wounds.

“There are so many questions around this tragic death that require answers. Why did the police automatically arrest Henry based on one allegation he had made a racial slur – something the prosecution describe as a ‘wicked lie’?

“Why was Henry’s handcuffing and arrest considered a priority for the police when he was in a critical condition? Why, more broadly, do racial sensitivities consistently appear to shape how the police enforce the law these days?”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added: “I am glad Vickrum Digwa has been convicted for the brutal knife murder of Henry Nowak, an innocent young man who did nothing to deserve being repeatedly stabbed by Digwa.

“It is shameful that the police handcuffed Henry as he lay dying, especially as he told them he had been stabbed.

“The police seemed more interested in cuffing someone accused of making a racist comment than in saving a dying man.

“They believed his attackers’ allegations of racism without critical assessment. Henry’s last words were ‘I can’t breathe’.

“If he had been an ethnic minority there would probably be protests and riots by now.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation that has now been confirmed must get to the bottom of this.

“The force must apologise to Henry’s family and policing more widely should end its fixation on race and alleged racism in the way it approaches policing.”

Mr Nowak attempted to escape by climbing over a fence, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

The prosecution said he was stabbed five times, including twice in the back of his legs, once in the face and a fatal wound to the chest.

Digwa, 23, told Southampton Crown Court a “wicked lie” that he had acted in self defence, claiming the teenager had used a racist insult, punched him and knocked his turban off.

He gave the knife to his mother and it was later found by police at their family home along with more than 20 other Sikh weapons.

The court heard how Digwa lied to police, telling them he had been attacked but not letting officers know that Nowak had been hurt.

Police initially handcuffed the victim before discovering his fatal injury a short time later.

Temporary deputy chief constable France told the BBC: “This was an extremely complex investigation and actually the scene itself was extremely complex when officers arrived.

“They were lied to in the 999 call by Henry’s killer, they were lied to as they arrived at the scene and we know that as a result they didn’t understand what had happened for several minutes and that is an absolute tragedy.”

Tech billionaire Elon Musk posted on X an offer to fund a private prosecution against the police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Nicholas Lobbenberg KC, prosecuting, told the jury that Digwa, who had been training with weapons since the age of 12, had described the murder weapon in “loving terms” and that he “sleeps in a bedroom with an arsenal of weapons”.

He also said that although Sikhs are permitted in law to carry a kirpan knife, the discrete carrying of a small dagger under clothing was sufficient for the requirements of the religion.

He said the defendant “chose” to carry two knives, one under his clothing while the large knife which was used in the killing was on display.

He added: “This is a man who likes weapons. He thinks a knife is a suitable wedding present for his brother.”

Judge William Mousley KC adjourned the case for Digwa to be sentenced on June 1 and Kaur on July 17.