Shabana Mahmood announces independent review into Henry Nowak’s murder

Nowak was stabbed to death by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton while walking home from a night out in December 2025.

Digwa, 23, who had lied to police about being racially abused, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Bodycam footage sparked fury after officers from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary handcuffed the 18-year-old in his dying minutes.

When the Essex teenager told officers he had been stabbed, one said: “I don’t think you have, mate.”

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Mahmood said: “Henry was just 18 years old, with his whole life ahead of him.

“His murder was a horrific and senseless crime, and my thoughts remain with his family and friends, who have endured unimaginable loss and heartbreak.

“The Nowak family have shown extraordinary courage and dignity in their pursuit of answers.

“Henry’s case has raised serious and legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy, and about the response of public authorities in its aftermath.

“This review will leave no stone unturned in seeking those answers. I am grateful to Alex Chalk for agreeing to lead this important work.

“He brings considerable experience and expertise, and I know he will conduct the review with the rigour, independence and seriousness that Henry’s case demands.”

GB News understands the first phase of the independent review will consider the treatment given to the Nowak family by agencies across the criminal justice system following Henry’s death.

The second phase will follow a separate probe conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the actions of police officers who attended the scene.

The Nowak family said: “Today’s announcement of the Henry Nowak Independent Review is a significant moment in our fight for justice.

“Since Henry was murdered, we’ve fought tirelessly for answers to questions no family should ever have to ask.

“The emotional toll of that fight, on top of the unimaginable grief of losing Henry, has been immense.

“We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for.

“Our experience of the criminal justice system has been deeply disappointing, and we are determined that no other family should have to endure what we have.”

Mr Chalk, who served as Justice Secretary from April 2023 to July 2024, is expected to report back on phase one to the Home Secretary by March 2027.

He said said: “The murder of Henry Nowak, an innocent young man, at the hands of Vickrum Digwa shocked the nation.

“Serious questions have been raised about whether agencies and organisations failed to act on complaints about Digwa’s violent and erratic behaviour.

“My review will follow the evidence without fear or favour.

“It will also examine how public authorities treated the Nowak family at a time of unimaginable pain. They deserve nothing less.”