Shabana Mahmood has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” surrounding commentary on the death of Henry Nowak after revealing that a police officer was forced to relocate for his own safety after being wrongly identified online.
The Justice Secretary used a statement in the Commons to condemn what she described as misinformation surrounding the case, saying an innocent officer had become the target of abuse and death threats despite having no involvement in the incident.
Ms Mahmood said the officer had been incorrectly linked to the case on social media, prompting a torrent of threats that ultimately led him to move home under police protection.
She said: “Let me also be clear about one other thing, a dangerous undercurrent that I have seen in the reaction to this awful crime.
“Threats against police officers are utterly unacceptable. There can be no justification for intimidation, abuse or attempts to take the law into one’s own hands.
“A police officer unrelated to this case has been misidentified online and subjected to death threats. He has been forced to relocate to protect himself and his family.
“Misinformation and inflammatory commentary is making a dreadful situation even worse.
“We must all together condemn it, and we must also allow the facts to be established to the appropriate investigations and the courts, and we must do so calmly and responsibly.”
Her intervention came as pressure continued to mount on the Government over the circumstances surrounding Mr Nowak’s death, which has sparked widespread public anger and intense political scrutiny.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Mahmood said there was a “dangerous undercurrent” developing around the debate, warning that false allegations and online speculation were placing individuals at risk.
The comments reflect growing concern within Government and policing circles about the impact of social media campaigns surrounding high-profile criminal investigations, particularly when unverified claims are rapidly amplified online.
Ministers have sought to balance calls for accountability with warnings against prejudging ongoing investigations. However, opposition politicians and campaigners have continued to demand answers over the handling of the case.
The revelation that an uninvolved officer has faced death threats is likely to intensify concerns about the wider consequences of misinformation, as ministers argue that public debate must remain grounded in established facts rather than speculation.
Ms Mahmood’s remarks also highlight the increasingly fraught political environment surrounding policing and criminal justice, where high-profile incidents can quickly become flashpoints for broader debates over accountability, public trust and the rule of law.
While scrutiny of public authorities remains essential, the Justice Secretary argued that the targeting of innocent individuals risks undermining both public confidence and the integrity of the investigation itself.
As calls for answers continue, ministers face the difficult task of addressing public concerns while preventing the spread of false claims that can have real-world consequences for those caught in the crossfire.
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