Police handcuffing of stabbed student sparks investigation

An 18-year-old university student died after being handcuffed by police while suffering fatal stab wounds, an incident that has triggered a major investigation, violent protests, and a diplomatic statement from the United States. Henry Nowak, a finance student at the University of Southampton, was stabbed multiple times in the city center last December by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.

Body-worn camera footage released after the sentencing shows officers responding to Digwa’s false claim that he was the victim of a racist assault. In the footage, Nowak can be heard pleading that he had been stabbed and could not breathe. One officer replied, “I don’t think you have, mate,” as they handcuffed him. Medical aid began approximately a minute later. Nowak was pronounced dead at the scene. A pathologist concluded the fatal chest injury involved severe internal bleeding and that no emergency intervention could have saved his life.

Hampshire Constabulary has apologized to Nowak’s family for the anguish caused by the officers’ conduct. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers’ actions, with its report expected...