Government Announces Independent Review Into Murder of Henry Nowak

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a two-part independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of 18-year-old University of Southampton student Henry Nowak.

Nowak, an accountancy and finance student from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was fatally stabbed five times on December 3rd while walking home from a night out. His killer, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he acted in self-defence after being racially abused. In May, a jury rejected Digwa's defense, and he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on June 1st. His mother, Kiran Kaur, received a three-year sentence for assisting an offender after removing the murder weapon from the scene.

Public outcry intensified following the release of police bodycam footage showing attending officers handcuffing and arresting Nowak as he lay dying on the ground, disbelieving his statements that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

Former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk KC has been appointed to lead the independent inquiry, with an initial report on phase one expected by March 2027.

Addressing the House of Commons, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated:

"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.”

The Home Office confirmed the independent review will proceed across two distinct phases:

• Phase One will evaluate whether public bodies missed opportunities to intervene regarding Digwa during the five years preceding the murder. It will review records held across police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions, and faith organizations concerning weapon possession or violent, threatening behavior. It will also scrutinize how the criminal justice system including the police, CPS, courts, and probation service treated the Nowak family following the attack.
• Phase Two will commence following the conclusion of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the officers who attended the scene, assessing the actions of the IOPC and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Lead reviewer Alex Chalk KC affirmed his mandate to evaluate agency actions objectively:

“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.”

Chalk noted on BBC Radio 4's Today program that phase one will also inspect whether individuals or institutions hesitated to report concerns due to a "misplaced sense of cultural sensitivity."

In a joint statement, the Nowak family described the review as a crucial step following an emotionally draining campaign for answers:

“At last, some positive news. 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.”

“We are particularly grateful to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for listening to our concerns and taking action; to the Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC for agreeing to lead the review; and to the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, for first suggesting it and supporting our efforts.”

“This is an important step forward, but there is still a long road ahead. We will not stop fighting until we secure the answers, accountability and meaningful change that Henry, and every family in this country, deserves.”

Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the inquiry, stating that "There must be proper accountability for those who failed Henry and his family."

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, pledged full cooperation with the review, stating:

“The awful circumstances surrounding the tragic murder of Henry Nowak rightly deserve further scrutiny. The Nowak family deserved to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity.”

“It is right that the Home Office examines their experience of the criminal justice system, including whether the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts and prison and probation services met their responsibilities. It is also right that relevant organisations which held information about Vickrum Digwa are fully examined.”

“As commissioner, I will ensure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary cooperate fully with this review, and that the HMICFRS review I requested provides clarity on what requires urgent change.”

“It is absolutely vital that Henry’s family receive answers to their questions as they continue to suffer the pain of their unimaginable loss.”

Both Digwa and Kaur are scheduled to appear at the Court of Appeal next month regarding their sentences and conviction permissions, while the IOPC is set to publish its findings regarding police conduct in December.