The police officers who arrested 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak moments before he died are facing investigation for potential gross misconduct after allegedly ignoring his repeated pleas that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that two Hampshire Police officers are under investigation over their actions during the fatal incident in December last year.
Henry, whose hands were handcuffed behind his back after officers arrived at the scene, repeatedly told them he had been stabbed and urgently needed help.
Instead of treating him as a critically injured victim, officers arrested him while the man who would later be convicted of his murder was initially treated as the victim of alleged racist abuse.
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In one of the most disturbing moments revealed during the investigation, Henry told an officer he had been stabbed.
The officer allegedly replied: “Don’t think you have, mate.”
Minutes later, the teenager died.
The police watchdog says there is evidence suggesting both officers may have committed serious breaches of professional standards.
According to the IOPC, investigators are examining whether the officers failed to recognise that Henry required urgent medical treatment despite repeatedly telling them he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe.
The watchdog is also investigating the decision to handcuff and arrest the teenager rather than immediately administer first aid.
One officer is separately being investigated over an apparent failure to treat Henry with appropriate authority, respect and courtesy after appearing to dismiss his desperate warnings about his injuries.
An IOPC spokesperson said the evidence indicates both officers may have breached standards relating to duties and responsibilities, use of force and discreditable conduct.
The spokesperson added that one officer may also have breached standards concerning authority, respect and courtesy.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the police response after further details emerged about the treatment of Henry’s killer.
Last month, Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted of Henry’s murder.
It has since emerged that although Henry spent his final moments handcuffed while suffering fatal stab wounds, Digwa was reportedly never handcuffed during the four days he spent in police custody after his arrest on suspicion of murder.
The contrast has provoked widespread anger.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell confirmed investigators have met Henry’s family to discuss the ongoing inquiry.
There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident,” he said.
He stressed that serving gross misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary proceedings will follow, but confirmed investigators would decide whether the officers should face formal action once the investigation concludes.
For Henry’s family, however, the central question remains painfully simple.
Why, after repeatedly telling police he had been stabbed and could not breathe, was an 18-year-old left in handcuffs instead of receiving lifesaving treatment?
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