The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) officers following the 2025 stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton. Evidence suggests the officers may have committed gross misconduct by handcuffing the wounded victim—who reported being stabbed and struggled to breathe—after the assailant, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, falsely identified Nowak as the aggressor.
Why is the IOPC investigating the police response?
The investigation centers on the initial intervention on the night of December 3, 2025. According to the IOPC, the officers who arrived at the scene allegedly prioritized detaining Nowak over providing life-saving medical aid. The watchdog stated that evidence indicates the officers may have breached professional standards by ignoring Nowak’s explicit claims that he had been stabbed. One officer is specifically under scrutiny for failing to treat the victim with expected respect and courtesy, reportedly dismissing his pleas for help.
The delivery of a “gross misconduct” notice is a formal procedural step by the IOPC. It does not automatically trigger a disciplinary hearing; rather, it informs the officers that their conduct is the subject of a serious, ongoing investigation into potential policy breaches.
How did social tensions influence the incident?
The IOPC is examining whether external societal factors influenced the officers’ decision-making process. At the time of the stabbing, the United Kingdom was experiencing heightened social friction, including anti-immigration protests and counter-demonstrations. Investigators are looking into whether these tensions, or potential biases regarding race and religion, led the officers to accept the version of events provided by Digwa—a British Sikh—who alleged that Nowak had directed racial slurs at him and removed his turban.
What was the outcome for the assailant?
Despite his claims of self-defense, Vickrum Digwa was found guilty of the attack. During his trial, Digwa maintained that he acted in self-defense after Nowak allegedly threatened his life and targeted him with racist abuse. The court rejected this defense entirely, sentencing Digwa to life imprisonment for the attack on Nowak.
Pro Tip: Understanding Police Oversight
In the UK, the IOPC acts as an independent body that oversees the complaints system for police forces. When an incident results in serious injury or death, the force is required to refer the matter to the IOPC to ensure impartiality in determining whether officers failed to uphold their duty of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a disciplinary hearing? No. The IOPC stated that they are currently in a “new phase” of their investigation. A decision on whether to proceed with disciplinary action will only be made once the full investigation concludes.
- What are the officers accused of? The officers are under investigation for “gross” breaches of professional standards, specifically for failing to provide medical assistance to a stabbing victim and potentially biased decision-making.
- What happened to the attacker? Vickrum Digwa was convicted in court and received a life sentence for the stabbing of Henry Nowak.
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