Police apologise to Henry Nowak's family for handcuffing teenager just moments before death

Police have apologised for the treatment of Henry Nowak, including handcuffing the teenager just moments before he died.

Sikh man Vickrum Digwa was found guilty of murdering the 18-year-old university student in Southampton on the night of December 3 2025.

Temp Deputy Chief Constable, Hampshire and IoW Police said: “I’m sorry that Henry’s life couldn’t be saved that night, and I’m sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested in the moments before he lost consciousness.

“When his killer made that call to the police, and he called the police, not the ambulance service, he lied on that call. He lied when police attended the scene. He continued to lie as Henry’s condition deteriorated.”

“As Henry's condition deteriorated, it is clear, and it is absolutely tragic that it took them three minutes before they started to administer first aid.

“It is important, though, to say that the pathologist has been clear there is nothing officers could have done which would have saved Henry's life.”

Police referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct immediately after this incident. That independent investigation is ongoing.

WATCH THE CLIP ABOVE