On 3 December 2025, 18-year-old Henry Nowak was stabbed five times with a 21cm blade in Southampton. He died at the scene from massive internal bleeding caused by a deep chest wound damaging a major vein/artery (likely subclavian), leading to haemothorax.

Bodycam footage shows Henry repeatedly telling officers, “I’ve been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe.” Officers did not immediately believe him, handcuffed him as a suspect, and there was a reported delay before properly checking for wounds or providing first aid. He was declared dead despite air ambulance attendance.

Vickrum Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life (minimum 21 years) in June 2026. Hampshire Police have apologised. The IOPC investigation is ongoing, and an HMICFRS review is underway. However, with public concern at record levels, a broader independent judicial public inquiry is now essential.

Over 160,000 people have signed related petitions calling for accountability, and protests have taken place in Southampton highlighting these issues.

This inquiry must include expert evidence from:

• Consultant trauma surgeons and emergency medicine specialists in penetrating knife trauma.
• Military and civilian field medics experienced in major vessel injuries, internal chest bleeding, and the ‘golden hour’ principle.

Full assessment of whether immediate recognition of stab wounds, rapid trauma check (ABC assessment, exposing wounds, haemorrhage control), and first aid protocols could have offered any chance of stabilisation — even given the severe internal injuries.

The inquiry should determine:

• If the initial failure to check for wounds despite Henry’s clear statements breached the duty of care.
• Whether this amounts to misconduct in public office or gross negligence manslaughter under UK law (requiring proof that any breach significantly contributed to the death).
• Recommendations for urgent improvements in police training on knife crime scenes, victim recognition, and first responder trauma care.

This would provide the medical and operational clarity needed on legal standing for potential prosecution of the officers involved, while preventing future failures.

We support Henry’s family in seeking full transparency and evidence-based justice.

**What we ask the Government to do:** 

Commission an independent judge-led public inquiry within 3 months that includes the above medical expert testimony. Publish findings and implement training reforms within 12 months.