Henry Nowak's parents say police changed their story on the night of his murder

Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed and later arrested while pleading for medical help, a sequence of events his parents now say was distorted by police officials.

Mark Nowak, Henry's father, described a shifting narrative during interviews with ITV News. He stated that officers initially claimed they administered first aid immediately upon arrival. That account later changed to say they detained everyone present, then that they detained only Henry, and finally that they placed him under arrest.

Mark Nowak said, "That evolution of what actually happened that night really shocked us, and we felt we were being hoodwinked. We felt we were being not told the truth."

Katie Nowak, Henry's stepmother, expressed fear that authorities prioritized their own reputation over the family's needs. She said, "I do feel that we have been failed multiple times. I fear that we may have been manipulated in our darkest hours."

Lucy Ross, Henry's mother, questioned why officers dismissed her son's symptoms. She noted that Henry told police nine times that he could not breathe and had been stabbed. She recalled an officer responding, "Don't think you have, mate," before handcuffing the teenager.

The IOPC initially told the family in April that no officers would face conduct or criminal investigation because no concerns were identified in their actions. Less than two months later, Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary issued an apology for its handling of the case.

Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed Nowak as he walked home in Southampton in December 2025, was jailed for life. Digwa had falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has launched a review to examine if opportunities to prevent the murder were missed. Alexis Boon, the chief constable, apologized to the family, stating, "I am incredibly sorry that in his final moments, when he needed us most, we failed him."

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director of engagement, said the agency is committed to establishing the full circumstances of the case. He added that the investigation will determine if any officers should face disciplinary proceedings and provide answers to the family's questions about the treatment Henry received.