UK Minister Calls for Calm, Police Review Anti-Racism Guidance After Southampton Riot Over Student’s Murder
9 verified4 unconfirmed
Violent protests erupted in Southampton after the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, who was given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Demonstrators, including far-right activist Tommy Robinson, clashed with police, throwing stones and other objects. The unrest followed the release of body-cam footage showing Nowak handcuffed and telling officers he had been stabbed, with an officer replying, “Don’t think you have, mate.” Policing minister Sarah Jones condemned the violence and called for calm, while also urging the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to review its anti-racism guidance, which the minister said contained “wrong” language that gives a “wrong impression.” The NPCC has agreed to review the guidance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was sickened by the video, and the judge in Digwa’s trial dismissed the killer’s claim that Nowak had made a racist slur. Nowak’s family has asked that his death not be used to inflame division.
What’s verified
Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed to death in Southampton on December 3, 2025.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years.
Body-cam footage shows Nowak handcuffed on the ground saying “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer replied “Don’t think you have, mate.”
Protesters clashed with police near the scene of the murder, with two people arrested — one for assault of a police officer and one for possession of a weapon.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson spoke at the protest.
Policing minister Sarah Jones condemned the violence and said the NPCC is reviewing its anti-racism guidance because the language is “wrong.”
The NPCC chair, Gavin Stephens, said the council is listening to concerns about wording but the guidance’s intent is to improve policing.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for “pure cold rage” over Nowak’s treatment, claiming it showed “anti-white prejudice.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was sickened by the video and questioned how accusations of racism influenced police decision-making.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reports that Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, was convicted of assisting an offender by trying to hide the murder weapon, and that her sentencing is scheduled for July 17.
Only one source reports that a police officer in Hampshire not connected to the case received death threats after being misidentified online.
Only one source reports that Reform UK has proposed an “equal treatment act” to prohibit police race action plans and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Only one source reports comments by shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on the issue.
Key figures
Henry Nowak (victim, 18-year-old student)
Vickrum Digwa (killer, 23 years old)
Sarah Jones (policing minister)
Keir Starmer (prime minister)
Tommy Robinson (far-right activist)
Nigel Farage (Reform UK leader)
Gavin Stephens (NPCC chair)
Kiran Kaur (Digwa’s mother)
Sources: The Guardian, dw.com
