How Britain was rocked by Henry Nowak’s murder Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was fatally stabbed in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who claimed the weapon was a ceremonial Sikh knife. The case drew international attention when US Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk criticized the UK’s policing, alleging a bias against white people and a ‘two-tier policing’ system. The UK government has rejected these claims, while an investigation into the initial police handling of Nowak’s arrest is underway.

• Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was murdered in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa.
• US politicians and figures like Elon Musk have criticized the UK’s policing, alleging ‘two-tier policing’ and bias.
• Digwa’s brother initially falsely claimed a racially motivated attack by Nowak.
• Nowak’s father condemned the police’s treatment of his son but urged against division.
• Right-wing figures, including Nigel Farage, have used the case to push the ‘two-tier policing’ narrative.
• The UK government rejects claims of systemic bias against white people in policing.
• An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct is examining the police’s handling of Nowak’s arrest.