Large Henry Nowak Protest Against Police Actions – Confrontation With Riot Police

Anger is boiling in Southampton after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. On Tuesday evening, hundreds of Britons gathered to protest the police’s decision to handcuff the severely stabbed student while his murderer initially escaped suspicion. The demonstration outside the city’s central police station later escalated into confrontations.

Earlier this week, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Henry Nowak. The attack occurred in December 2025 when Nowak was on his way back to his student residence after a night out in Southampton.

According to the investigation, Digwa stabbed the then 18-year-old student multiple times with a large knife that he claimed to carry for religious reasons.

The case has received widespread attention after police body camera footage was released. The footage shows the severely injured Henry Nowak repeatedly trying to tell officers that he had been stabbed, while lying on the ground in handcuffs. The police ignored Nowak and insisted he had not been stabbed.

Meanwhile, the knife-wielder, Vikrum Digwa, reportedly portrayed himself as a victim at the scene, telling officers he had been subjected to a racist attack—something later proven false. This testimony led the police to direct their suspicions at Nowak instead of the perpetrator.

From the bodycam, a police officer can be heard questioning Henry Nowak as he lies collapsed on the ground from his injuries.

– You’ve been stabbed, where exactly?

Before the police officer adds:

– I don’t think you have, mate.

Tommy Robinson: “It’s About Race”

The protest was organized under the slogan “Justice for Henry Nowak” and drew people from across the United Kingdom. Among the speakers were citizen journalist Tommy Robinson and several prominent opinion leaders, who harshly criticized police actions during the incident.

– As white people, we are being treated as second-class citizens by our own police force, Robinson said among other things.

Several speakers during the demonstration claimed the police’s actions were marked by double standards and demanded that the involved officers be held accountable.

– I heard someone say this isn’t about race, but this is about race, Robinson continued:

– A white boy who had done nothing was put in handcuffs, while a murderer who carried a knife and had stabbed someone five times was not.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also commented on the case, stating there are “serious questions” that must be answered after the release of the police body camera videos.

An independent oversight authority has launched a review of the police’s actions during the arrest in which Nowak died from his injuries.

The Crowd: “I Can’t Breathe”

During Tuesday’s demonstration, chants were directed at the police as participants waved British flags and held placards demanding accountability from authorities.

Many expressed anger over how Henry Nowak was treated after the stabbing attack that later led to his death.

– I can’t breathe, the crowd chanted, quoting Henry Nowak’s last words to the officers who arrested him.

As the demonstration march moved through the city, tensions escalated. Police cordoned off streets near the convicted perpetrator’s family home to prevent confrontations.

Several protesters tried to pass the barriers, resulting in clashes at the scene. Video clips from the location also show police being attacked with stones and bottles during the protest.