Bodycam footage released following the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak has revealed the chaotic moments after he was stabbed in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who has now been jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years.
Digwa, 23, was convicted of murdering Nowak on 3 December after stabbing him with a 21cm (8in) blade. The attack occurred as the first-year University of Southampton student was walking home alone after a night out with friends.
The footage, released by the Crown Prosecution Service with the permission of Nowak’s family, shows officers arriving at the scene and speaking with Digwa and others nearby. Henry can be heard repeatedly saying, “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe” as he lay wounded on the ground.
The video shows officers turning him onto his side and handcuffing his hands behind his back. After several minutes, Henry became unresponsive. An officer then informed him he was under arrest for assault before emergency medical assistance was sought.
Southampton, England — Bodycam footage of the arrest of Henry Nowak, who had been stabbed moments earlier by Vickrum Digwa. https://t.co/xmT0ZOvbOO
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 1, 2026
Family Questions Police Response as Investigation Continues
The case sparked further controversy after it emerged that Digwa had falsely claimed he was acting in self-defence and had been racially abused. Police said officers initially believed information provided in a 999 call made by Digwa’s brother.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France apologized and said officers had been confronted with an “extremely complex” crime scene after being misled.
Judge William Mousley KC rejected Digwa’s claims of racism and self-defence, stating that the defendant had brought “shame” upon both his family and his religion. The judge also said Digwa’s actions had stirred racial tensions and caused concern among Sikhs across the country.
The court heard that Digwa stabbed Nowak five times, including wounds to his legs, face and a fatal injury to his chest. After the attack, Digwa gave the knife to his mother, Kiran Kaur, who was later convicted of assisting an offender after attempting to hide the weapon.
Speaking outside court, Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, described the treatment of his son as “inhumane and degrading.”
“Henry did not die with dignity. He did not die with the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him,” he said.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said the details of the response raised “serious concerns about police impartiality, fairness and judgement.”
Digwa was also sentenced for carrying a knife in public, while Kiran Kaur is due to be sentenced on July 17.
