Following clashes between protesters and police in Southampton, Policing Minister Sarah Jones confirmed that two people have been arrested after disorder broke out near the family home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday for the murder of Henry Nowak.
Officers in riot gear were targeted with chairs, cans and flares during the unrest, which followed a demonstration in the city. Police are reviewing footage and have indicated that further arrests may be made.
Key developments:
- Two arrests have been made, including for alleged assault on a police officer and possession of a weapon.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the violence against officers as “unacceptable”.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Hampshire Police’s response to the fatal stabbing.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the release of bodycam footage raises “serious questions” for police.
The case has attracted national attention following the release of police bodycam footage showing Nowak, an 18-year-old University of Southampton student, being handcuffed after he was stabbed in December 2025.
During Digwa’s trial, the court heard that the attacker falsely claimed he had been the victim of a racist attack, leading officers at the scene to initially arrest Nowak rather than his killer. Digwa was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
The IOPC is expected to publish its findings within the next three months.
ℹ️ The Guardian, BBC News
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