Two English police officers who handcuffed 18-year-old student Henry Nowak before he died are under investigation for gross misconduct. Nowak died in December in Southampton after a knife attack.

Police body camera footage shows Nowak lying in the street, repeatedly saying "I've been stabbed" and "I can't breathe," while an officer responds, "I don't think you have, mate." Despite his pleas, officers handcuffed him rather than providing immediate first aid.

His killer, 23-year-old Sikh man Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life in prison last month. Digwa had falsely alleged a racist attack.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the watchdog for English and Welsh police, stated that evidence suggests the two officers who first arrived may have breached professional standards concerning duties, use of force, and conduct. The potential failures include not recognizing Nowak's urgent medical needs, not acting immediately after his statements about being stabbed and unable to breathe, and choosing to arrest and handcuff him instead of providing first aid.

The IOPC also noted possible breaches related to authority, respect, and courtesy, as one officer appeared to dismiss Nowak's claims of being stabbed. They are investigating whether the officers' decisions were influenced by assumptions or prejudice amid community tensions at the time, as well as complaints from Nowak's family about differential treatment compared to Digwa and his family.

Nowak's family described the police treatment as "inhumane and degrading" but urged that his death not be "used to create further division, hatred or tension." His father, Mark Nowak, called for calm following the sentencing.

The IOPC said it will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings at the conclusion of their investigation.

Sources