UK police face backlash over handcuffing dying stabbing victim

The fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton has ignited controversy over the police response. While 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa has been sentenced to life for the murder, bodycam footage has sparked outrage. The video appears to show officers handcuffing Nowak, who was bleeding from stab wounds, as he repeatedly stated he couldn't breathe.

“

I can't breathe

Critics argue that the police focused more on avoiding accusations of racism than on providing aid to the dying student. The incident occurred after the attacker's brother falsely claimed Nowak had racially assaulted him. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers' actions.

“

It is absolutely right that the IOPC is looking into this. There are clearly serious questions that need to be resolved, not least how allegations of racism have influenced decision-making in this case.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed distress upon viewing the footage, stating that serious questions need to be addressed, particularly regarding the influence of racism allegations on decision-making. The case has also attracted commentary from far-right figures, including Nigel Farage, who suggested the police's initial reaction demonstrated anti-white bias. He called for "pure, cold anger."

“

We should respond to this with pure, cold anger.

However, Nowak's father appealed for his son's death not to be exploited for further division or hatred. While acknowledging his son did not "die with dignity," he criticized the police's treatment of him in his final moments. The family does not wish for his death to be used to incite further discord.

“

We do not wish for his death to be used to incite further division, hatred, or tension.