British prime minister angered by police handcuffing stabbing victim

The British prime minister expressed dismay with Southampton police after officers mistakenly handcuffed victim Henry Nowak, despite him having been stabbed.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced on 1/6 to a minimum of 21 years in prison for fatally stabbing Henry Nowak, 18, in Southampton, England. A critical detail in the case emerged when police officers arrived at the scene: Digwa, a British Sikh, falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist attack. Nowak was white. Officers believed Digwa's false account and proceeded to handcuff Nowak, even as the injured teen stated, "I cannot breathe". Nowak subsequently died.

British law permits Sikhs to carry a small ceremonial dagger called a kirpan for religious reasons. However, Digwa abused this right by carrying a 21 cm hunting knife in a sheath worn outside his clothing. Digwa's family later apologized to Nowak's family, expressing remorse that their son's actions had damaged the reputation of the Sikh community in England.

Police mistakenly handcuff stabbing victim in Southampton, England. Video: X/@europa

The incident sparked public outrage. Hundreds protested in Southampton, leading to clashes with riot police. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the unrest "completely unacceptable". She conveyed a "strong appeal" from Nowak's family, urging that his death not be exploited to fuel further division, hatred, or tension.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on 2/6 that the video was "deeply distressing". He emphasized the need to address "how allegations of racism influenced" police decision-making. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), stated that an investigation into the force's actions is underway. A report is expected within the next three months.