Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the December 2025 murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old University of Southampton student who was fatally stabbed in the city by Vickrum Digwa. Digwa was jailed for life on 1 June with a minimum term of 21 years after falsely claiming he had been racially abused and acted in self-defence.
The review will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC and has been welcomed by Nowak's family. Mahmood told the House of Commons the investigation must establish "the truth of what happened before, during and after that awful night" and ensure "no family suffers the same fate."
The announcement comes after police bodycam footage sparked intense scrutiny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. The footage showed Nowak handcuffed and lying on the ground while repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched its own investigation into the police response, despite a sentencing judge ruling Nowak would not have survived his injuries regardless of how quickly he received treatment.
The review will proceed in two phases. Phase one will examine what was known about Nowak's killer through police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations. It will investigate whether concerns were raised about weapon possession and violent behaviour, and whether missed opportunities existed to prevent the murder.
Phase two will follow after the IOPC completes its investigation. It will consider the actions of the IOPC and "if necessary" the police.
The Home Office review will also examine how Nowak's family was treated in the justice system and whether they received adequate support. The review is due to report within five months.
Nowak's family stated the announcement represents a "significant moment in our fight for justice," adding they hope the investigation "will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for." They described their experience of the criminal justice system as "deeply disappointing."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the review, saying "there must be proper accountability for those who failed Henry and his family."