Nigel Farage declares ‘white lives matter too’ after police release shocking footage of Henry Nowak being handcuffed

Nigel Farage has declared “white lives matter too” after police finally released harrowing bodycam footage of officers handcuffing 18-year-old Henry Nowak.

The Reform UK leader, who piled pressure on Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Constabulary to release the footage, suggested the university student’s arrest was an example of two-tier justice.

Officers were recorded approaching Nowak after the 18-year-old was stabbed with a 21cm Sikh ceremonial knife five times on his way home from a night out in Southampton on December 3 last year.

Nowak, who was pushed into the gravel on a driveway, told officers in attendance “I have been stabbed” and “I can’t breathe”.

One officer was heard replying: “You’ve been stabbed, mate? I don’t think you have.”

Officers proceeded to handcuff Nowak, placing his arms behind his back despite his cries for assistance.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was sentenced to life in prison yesterday, was then heard repeating his false claim about Nowak racially abusing him while officers asked the murderer if he had been injured.

Following the release of the footage last night, Mr Farage said: “This is the most shocking footage of discrimination that you will ever see.

“A white boy being handcuffed by police officers more concerned by an accusation of racism than an act of murder.

“This must be a turning point. White lives matter too.”

Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Constabulary admitted being "misled" by Digwa after the 23-year-old claimed Nowak had started a racially aggravated attack.

Sentencing the murderer in court, Judge William Mousley KC concluded Digwa had lied to officers at the scene.

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He said: "I am sure that Henry had said nothing racist.

"You are the only person to make that claim, and it is completely at odds with his previous character."

The incident has drawn comparisons to George Floyd's murder by police officers in Minnesota in May 2020.

Dozens of prominent politicians spoke out in favour of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Sir Keir Starmer was pictured taking the knee alongside then-deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner.

The Prime Minister last week came under fire following Nowak’s murder after appearing reluctant to release a statement.

Sir Keir finally broke his silence yesterday by penning an 89-word response after Digwa was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court.

He said: “This [is] an awful, shocking case. Henry’s loved ones have gone through the trauma of a long trial and endured Henry's killer making up appalling claims about their son, who was thoughtful, kind and deeply loved.

“It is right that the IOPC is investigating the police’s response to his senseless murder. And we must end the cycle of tragedy by tackling the horror of knife crime.

“Henry’s family, friends, his university and the city of Southampton will continue to feel his loss, and our thoughts will always be with them.”

The Prime Minister is also facing calls to carry out a review into banning bladed articles currently protected under religious exemptions, including the kirpan.

Hampshire's Police & Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: "I intend to write to the Prime Minister to request a national review of the laws concerning the carrying of bladed articles under religious exemptions.

“Nothing can bring Henry back. There is no doubt Henry’s last moments were terrifying.

“My thoughts remain with his family and I will do everything I can to ensure this can never happen again in this country.”

Hampshire & the Isle of Wight Police last week apologised for its handling of Nowak’s death.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the incident.