Hampshire Police Chief Issues Apology to Henry Nowak’s Family Following Controversial Arrest

The Chief Constable of Hampshire Police, Alexis Boon, has formally apologized to the family of Henry Nowak for the distressing circumstances surrounding the teenager’s arrest, which involved him being handcuffed while lying on the ground in a fatal condition. Speaking to the BBC, Boon expressed that he was "distressed" by the bodycam footage, a sentiment shared by many who viewed the recording. The video captures the 18-year-old student repeatedly informing officers that he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe.

In the footage, police are seen detaining the teenager after the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, falsely alleged that Nowak had racially abused him. When asked what he would convey to the Nowak family, Boon stated, "I'm so sorry you've had to go through this," reaffirming an apology on behalf of the force regarding the manner in which Henry was restrained and taken into custody.

Digwa, aged 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on Monday for the murder committed in December. Despite the intense scrutiny, Boon, who leads the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, confirmed he has no intention of resigning. He also noted that he would not pre-judge the findings of the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the police response. Boon disclosed that one officer featured in the bodycam video has since departed the force for reasons unrelated to the incident, while three other officers have been removed from front-line duties.

Describing the recorded events, Boon said, "What was filmed there is a tragedy, an absolute tragedy. You can't help but be affected by it. It's very difficult to watch. I really feel for the family of Henry at this time."

Following the sentencing, Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, revealed that the family would bear their grief "every single day for the rest of their lives." While he described it as "unbearable" to witness the disparity in how police treated his son versus his killer, he emphasized that they did not wish for Henry’s death to fuel further division or hatred.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and significant political debate. On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for allegedly exploiting the tragedy to generate "grievance and division." This comment followed Farage’s suggestion that the public should feel "pure cold rage" and his accusation of "two-tier policing." Boon rejected the term "two-tier policing," telling the BBC that he observed officers serving all communities diligently "day in, day out."

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones also addressed the situation on Wednesday afternoon, telling the BBC that she had spoken with the victim’s family, who had urged calm. Simultaneously, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) is reviewing whether existing guidance and "anti-racism commitments" require modification.

The bodycam evidence showed Nowak, who had been stabbed four times, lying on the floor and insisting he had been attacked. One officer responded, "I don't think you have mate." Nowak was handcuffed and told officers he could not breathe before dying at the scene.

Political reactions have been sharp. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pointed out "multiple failures," while shadow home secretary Chris Philp argued in the Commons that the police seemed more focused on the racism accusation than on assisting Henry.

Nowak was attacked on December 3 while walking home after a night out with his football teammates. During the trial, Judge William Mousley stated that Digwa had brought shame upon both his family and his religion. Digwa’s mother, Kiran Jaur, 53, was also convicted of assisting an offender for attempting to conceal the murder weapon.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 18:58:12 UTC