Henry Deserved Better: Independent Review Announced Into Murder of 18-Year-Old as Family Continue to Fight for Answers.

29th October 202629th October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Henry Nowak, Home Secretary, Independent Review min read

An independent review has been announced into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, as serious questions remain about whether opportunities were missed to prevent his death and how his family were treated in the aftermath. Henry’s life was cut short in a fatal stabbing in Southampton in December 2025. Now, the Government has appointed former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and whether lessons must be learned to prevent another family from enduring the same heartbreak.

The announcement, made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on 26 October, marks a significant step in the family’s search for answers following Henry’s death.

Henry was a student at the University of Southampton when he was attacked and killed on 3 December 2025.

Vickrum Digwa was convicted of Henry’s murder on 28 May 2026 and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years.

But while a conviction has brought the person responsible for Henry’s murder to justice, wider questions about what happened before and after the attack remain.

The independent review will examine whether agencies had information about Digwa’s behaviour in the five years before the murder and whether opportunities to intervene were missed.

Its scope includes information held by the police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations. It will consider concerns relating to weapon possession and violent, threatening or erratic behaviour.

The review will also examine how Henry’s family were treated by public bodies following his death, including the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts and prison and probation services. <Cite refs={[“turn428736search0″,”turn428736search11”]}/>

Questions over the police response

The circumstances surrounding the police response to Henry have prompted a separate investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The watchdog is examining the actions and decisions of officers who attended the scene, including the use of handcuffs, the first aid provided and whether Henry’s need for urgent medical attention was recognised.

In July 2026, the IOPC confirmed that two officers had been informed they were under investigation for potential gross misconduct. This is an ongoing investigation, and no finding of misconduct should be assumed. <

The IOPC has also said it is examining whether race or religious bias played any role in the actions and decisions taken by officers. That question remains under investigation.

The independent review will be carried out in two phases. The first will examine whether opportunities were missed to prevent Henry’s murder and how his family experienced the criminal justice system afterwards. Alex Chalk KC is expected to report on this phase by March 2027.

The second phase will follow the conclusion of the IOPC investigation and will consider the actions of the watchdog and, if necessary, the police.

A family still seeking answers

Announcing the review, Shabana Mahmood said Henry had been just 18, with his whole life ahead of him. She described his murder as a horrific and senseless crime and said her thoughts remained with his family and friends.

Alex Chalk KC said serious questions had been raised about whether organisations had failed to act on concerns about Digwa’s behaviour.

He said the review would follow the evidence without fear or favour and examine how public authorities treated Henry’s family at a time of unimaginable pain.

The review cannot undo the loss suffered by Henry’s loved ones. But its findings may help establish what was known, whether anything could have been done differently and whether changes are needed to protect others in the future.

For a family who have endured the devastating loss of a young son, answers and accountability are vital. The review is intended to establish the facts and identify lessons that can be learned, rather than reach conclusions before the evidence has been examined.

Henry was only 18. His death has raised questions that now reach far beyond one night in Southampton. The challenge for those carrying out the review is to ensure that those questions are answered thoroughly, and that any lessons identified lead to meaningful action.

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