Chicago – June 03, 2026
Chief Constable Alexis Boon of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has issued a public apology to the family of Henry Nowak, the 18-year-old student who was handcuffed and arrested while dying from stab wounds.
Speaking to the BBC, Boon described the bodycam footage of Nowak’s arrest as “hard to watch” and an “absolute tragedy,” expressing deep empathy for the family’s grief. “I’m sorry you had to see this,” Boon told the BBC on behalf of the force, apologising for handcuffing and arresting Nowak.
The incident occurred on December 3, 2025, in Southampton, when Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed he had been racially insulted by the teenager. Bodycam footage shows Nowak repeatedly saying “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe” while officers handcuffed him, with one officer responding, “I don’t think you have, mate”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he “felt sick” watching the harrowing footage. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating, with results expected within three months. One officer has left the force for unrelated reasons, while three others are no longer on front-line duty.
