IOPC investigating conduct of two officers in Henry Nowak case

The Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) ongoing investigation into the actions of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC) officers who dealt with Henry Nowak prior to his tragic death has entered a new phase.

Following the conclusion of the trial, which saw Vickrum Digwa convicted of Henry’s murder, we have assessed the evidence we have obtained and considered representations from Henry’s family, as we reviewed all aspects of the investigation.

We have now advised two HIOWC officers that they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct. The evidence indicates that both officers – who were the first to arrive at the scene late in the evening of 3 December 2025 - may have potentially breached the professional behaviour standards of duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct.

These relate to potential failures by the officers to recognise that Henry needed urgent medical attention, to immediately act after he said he had been stabbed and he couldn’t breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff Henry rather than provide immediate first aid.

There’s also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed.

Henry’s family has been told of our decision.

IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Henry’s family and friends.

“Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded.

“We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved. As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations.

“There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence.

“The serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”

We have expanded our independent investigation following recent discussions with Henry’s family, who have made formal complaints about the force.

We continue to examine the actions of the officers at the scene, including the decision to arrest Henry and apply handcuffs along with the first aid provided, and the decisions and actions of HIOWC control room staff. This includes the handling of calls relating to the incident and information passed on to the attending officers and the ambulance service.

We are investigating whether the race or religion of either Henry or the Digwa family impacted on the actions and decision making of the officers, whether officers’ decisions were influenced by assumptions or prejudice relating to community tensions at the time, and complaints made by Henry’s family about differences in how Henry was treated by officers compared to how Digwa and his family members were treated upon their arrests.

Mr Campbell said: “It is also an important part of our role to identify whether any changes are needed to national or force policies or procedures, to improve police practice.”

At the end of our investigation, we will share our provisional decisions regarding disciplinary matters with the force and Henry’s family for their views, which we will consider before making our final decisions. We will announce this once the parties involved have been notified.