Henry Nowak protests cost nearly half a million, says PCC
Last updated 10th Jul 2026
Policing the violent disorder that erupted following protests over police arresting murder victim Henry Nowak cost nearly half a million pounds, the police and crime commissioner revealed.
Donna Jones said the figure surged from £443,000 to £477,000, a figure previously outlined in court during cases against those involved in the violence.
Speaking in Winchester, she said such protests are a “massive drain on resources”.
Members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel heard that six police forces were drafted in to combat the disorder in Southampton on June 2, alongside Hampshire police.
She said: “We had to bring in mutual aid from six other police forces.
“We then had to do that for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the cost of £477,000.”
The revelation followed a question from Cllr Lesley Meenaghan, Conservative for Leesland and Town on Hampshire County Council.
She said: “We have all seen an increase in marches and protests, so my question is, are these protests a drain on our police resources?”
In response, Ms Jones said the work done by police officers in these cases is “largely overtime” and confirmed caused strain on resources.
The protests were sparked by anger over the arrest of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak after he had been fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton last December.
The unrest followed the release of bodycam footage showing Henry handcuffed and complaining he had been stabbed and that he could not breathe, before collapsing.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation with two officers facing a gross misconduct probe.