Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old University of Southampton student stabbed to death in December 2025. The review will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC and is due to report in five months.
Vickrum Digwa was jailed for life on 1 June with a minimum term of 21 years. Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused and acted in self-defence. A sentencing judge ruled Nowak would not have survived his injuries regardless of how quickly he received treatment.
The review has sparked scrutiny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary after bodycam footage showed Nowak handcuffed and left dying on the floor despite telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched its own investigation into the police response following the release of the footage.
Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday: "We must get to truth of what happened before, during and after that awful night and we must do everything in our power to ensure that no family suffers the same fate."
Phase one of the review will examine police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations to determine what was known about Nowak's killer and whether there were missed opportunities to intervene. It will also investigate if any concerns were raised relating to weapon possession and violent behaviour.
Phase two will follow after the IOPC concludes its investigation. It will consider the actions of the IOPC and, if necessary, police conduct.
Nowak's family described the announcement as a "significant moment" in their fight for justice. "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," they said.
The review will also examine the treatment of Nowak's family within the justice system and whether they received adequate support. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the decision, saying there must be "proper accountability for those who failed Henry and his family."