Sunday, June 7Sunday, June 7Violent clashes erupt in Southampton as far-right protesters target UK police over handcuffing of dying student Henry Nowak
Hundreds of protesters, mobilized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, hurled bricks and clashed with officers in Southampton on Tuesday night after the sentencing of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. The unrest follows the release of police bodycam footage showing Nowak handcuffed while mortally wounded, repeatedly gasping *"I can’t breathe"* in December 2025.
Demonstrators gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station and near Digwa’s home, with dozens breaking away to confront officers. The *Guardian* reports that Robinson addressed the crowd, framing the case as evidence of systemic police bias against white victims . Protesters’ chants included *"Justice for Henry"* and *"Police cover-up"*, according to *The Wall Street Journal*, which notes the case has become a rallying cry for far-right groups alleging institutional racism against white Britons .
The controversy stems from Digwa’s false claim to police that Nowak had racially abused him during the attack. Officers handcuffed Nowak—who was white—while Digwa, a Sikh man, was initially treated as a victim. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday, but the police response has triggered an independent investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the footage was *"deeply disturbing"* and pledged a *"thorough review"* of police conduct, though he condemned the protests as *"exploiting a tragedy for division"* .
The case has exposed fractures in British policing and far-right mobilization. Robinson, a former English Defence League leader, called for protests on social media, while *The New York Times* reports that the incident has been *"increasingly politicized"* by groups alleging a two-tier justice system . Nowak’s family has urged calm, with his father telling *The Guardian* they *"do not want his death to be used to stoke hatred"* .
Police have not released details on arrests from Tuesday’s clashes, but Hampshire Constabulary confirmed officers were *"assaulted"* and that *"appropriate action"* would be taken. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the officers’ actions during Nowak’s arrest, with findings expected within months. Meanwhile, far-right groups have vowed further demonstrations, raising fears of escalating unrest.
British police face fury after handcuffing fatally stabbed student instead of aiding him
ContinuationFar-right protesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak case
Angry protesters attack UK police after disputed arrest On Tuesday evening, police and protesters clashed in Southampton following the arrest of the dying 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson called on his supporters to protest. The anger stems from Nowak being handcuffed in December by British police after being stabbed by a Sikh perpetrator, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life […]
cphpost · 4 days ago
British police face probe over arrest of dying student British police are facing criticism after video footage showed 18-year-old student Henry Nowak being handcuffed while dying from a stab wound. Meanwhile, the perpetrator, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, lied to officers, claiming he had faced a racist attack. Digwa was sentenced to life for the murder on Monday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the police […]
cphpost · 4 days ago
Murder of Henry Nowak, Who Was Handcuffed by Police While Dying, Fuels Outrage in UK The authorities in Britain are investigating police officers who handcuffed a student, Henry Nowak, while he was dying, in a case that been increasingly politicized.
new york times · 4 days ago
Outrage grows in Britain after footage shows dying stabbing victim handcuffed by police Video shows an 18-year-old stabbing victim handcuffed by police after his attacker falsely accused him of racial abuse. Protesters clashed with officers in Southampton following the killers sentencing.
le monde · 4 days ago
Clashes erupt in UK city over racially charged case of police handcuffing dying student Video of a dying student who was handcuffed by British police after being stabbed by a Sikh man and falsely accused of racially abusing his murderer sparked outrage on Tuesday, with protesters throwing bricks at police. Eighteen-year-old Henry Nowak was heard repeatedly telling officers: I cant breathe in police bodycam footage captured as he lay mortally wounded in December after a night out with his football team members. Far-right figures have seized on the case, including firebrand Tommy...
south china morning post · 4 days ago
Protesters clash with UK police over murder of student Henry Nowak
news.yahoo.com · 4 days ago
Student Murder Sparks Accusations U.K. Police Are Biased Against White Victims A call to police claimed a man had been racially abused. In fact, the man was a killer with a cover story.
wsj · 4 days ago
Protesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak murder Demonstration follows familys plea for death not to be used to create divisionHundreds of people gathered outside a Southampton police station to protest against the murder of Henry Nowak and dozens clashed with police close to the home of his killer, Vickrum Digwa.The far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among speakers who addressed the crowd outside Southampton central police station at the Justice for Henry Nowak protest. Continue reading...
theguardian · 4 days ago
⚡️#BREAKING Protesters attack police at UK march over student Henry Nowak murder
telegram bot · 4 days ago