Title: Handcuffed Henry Nowak Repeatedly Pleaded 'I Can't Breathe' Before Death, Father Reveals

Henry Nowak, the 18-year-old Southampton university student who died after being stabbed, repeatedly told officers "I can't breathe" while being restrained, according to his father. The victim, who was handcuffed while lying on the ground, made this plea nine times during the incident in December 2025.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on Monday for the murder. During the trial, it emerged that Digwa had deceived responding officers by falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack. He admitted to stabbing Nowak with a 21cm (8in) knife, which he claimed he carried as part of his Sikh faith.

Following the incident, Nowak’s family condemned the police handling of the situation as "inhumane and degrading." The force has since issued an apology. Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved is currently underway.

Bodycam footage, released with the family’s consent, provides a harrowing account of the moments following the attack. The video shows Nowak, who had suffered two non-fatal stab wounds to his back and legs and a fatal injury to his heart, struggling to speak. In the recording, a police officer approaches and asks, "What's your name, mate?" Nowak, lying on his back, faintly responds, "Henry."

Digwa then enters the frame, asserting that Nowak had removed his turban and grabbed him by the hair. When an officer asks Digwa if he is injured, Digwa claims, "Yeah, yeah, I've got a swollen eye here, a little bruise here."

The footage then captures officers turning their attention to Nowak. He can be heard grunting and repeating, "I've been stabbed," before adding, "I can't breathe," as he is instructed to sit up for handcuffing. An officer questions, "You've been stabbed, whereabouts?" but immediately follows with, "Don't think you have, mate."

As the handcuffs are applied, Nowak utters "I can't breathe" three more times. An officer states, "He says he's been stabbed, so let's just check him," and is seen briefly lifting Nowak’s shirt near the belt area before allowing him to lie on his side. A female officer then asks, "Where do you think he's been stabbed? In the face?" to which a male voice responds, "He hasn't been stabbed."

Despite Nowak appearing unresponsive, he was subsequently told he was being arrested for assault.

The case has sparked strong reactions from political leaders. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage urged the public to respond with "pure cold rage" to the treatment of Nowak. In a statement, he praised the Nowak family for their "extraordinarily dignified" response, declaring, "This is wrong. All the values and standards of living in a free country where everybody is judged equally before the law have been trashed and thrown away."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Farage for deepening divisions, arguing that police must treat all individuals equally regardless of race. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described the event as "an evil murder made so much worse by the police response."

The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the sentencing under the unduly lenient sentence (ULS) scheme after receiving "multiple requests." A spokesperson stated, "The law officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision."

Donna Jones, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, labeled Nowak’s death a "national tragedy." The Conservative politician said she is meeting with the family and has written to the Prime Minister demanding an "urgent review on the carrying of bladed articles for religious and ceremonial purposes."

The Home Office has been contacted for comment, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is anticipated to issue a statement on the matter later. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also commented on the case.

Warning: This story contains details some may find upsetting.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 10:40:29 UTC