Home Secretary announces independent review into murder of Henry Nowak
The review will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC
Last updated 27th Oct 2026
The Home Secretary is announcing an independent review into the murder of Southampton student, Henry Nowak.
The review will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC and will investigate whether opportunities were missed to prevent Henry Nowak's murder and how his family were treated in the aftermath.
Henry Nowak, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was fatally stabbed on December 3rd 2025 by Vickrum Digwa.
The review will be in two parts with phase one investigating whether opportunities were missed to prevent Henry’s murder, and examining what was known about the perpetrator, Digwa, in the five years before the attack.
It will cover the police, health services, local authorities and educational institutions, and faith organisations, including any concerns relating to weapon possession and violent, threatening, erratic behaviour.
Phase one will also consider how the Nowak family were treated by agencies across the criminal justice system after Henry's death - including the police, CPS, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and the HM Prison and Probation Service.
Phase two will take place after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into the actions of officers who attended the scene, and will consider actions of the IOPC, as well as the police, if necessary.
The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Henry was just 18 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. His murder was a horrific and senseless crime, and my thoughts remain with his family and friends, who have endured unimaginable loss and heartbreak.
“The Nowak family have shown extraordinary courage and dignity in their pursuit of answers. Henry’s case has raised serious and legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy, and about the response of public authorities in its aftermath.
“This review will leave no stone unturned in seeking those answers. I am grateful to Alex Chalk for agreeing to lead this important work. He brings considerable experience and expertise, and I know he will conduct the review with the rigour, independence and seriousness that Henry’s case demands.”
The Nowak family said: “At last, some positive news. Today’s announcement of the Henry Nowak Independent Review is a significant moment in our fight for justice.
“Since Henry was murdered, we’ve fought tirelessly for answers to questions no family should ever have to ask. The emotional toll of that fight, on top of the unimaginable grief of losing Henry, has been immense.
“We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for. Our experience of the criminal justice system has been deeply disappointing, and we are determined that no other family should have to endure what we have.
“We are particularly grateful to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for listening to our concerns and taking action; and to the Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC for agreeing to lead the review.
“This is an important step forward, but there is still a long road ahead. We will not stop fighting until we secure the answers, accountability and meaningful change that Henry, and every family in this country, deserves.”
The former Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC said: "The murder of Henry Nowak, an innocent young man, at the hands of Vickrum Digwa shocked the nation.
"Serious questions have been raised about whether agencies and organisations failed to act on complaints about Digwa's violent and erratic behaviour. My review will follow the evidence without fear or favour.
"It will also examine how public authorities treated the Nowak family at a time of unimaginable pain. They deserve nothing less."
The Government has renewed its commitment to tackling knife crime, recognising the Nowak family's call for action to prevent other families experiencing similar tragedies.
They say through the wider strategy to halve knife crime, they're working across law enforcement, education, and communities to prevent violence, support young people, and bring offenders to justice.
In June, Digwa was ordered to serve at least 21 years behind bars.
Court officials confirmed that a judge had given Digwa the green light to appeal against his sentence, which will be heard alongside the Attorney General’s bid to increase his jail term on November the 5th.
Protests and violence were sparked over Mr Nowak's death after police body-worn video was released showing officers handcuffing the teenager moments before he collapsed and became unconscious.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said it had begun an inspection of Hampshire Police, following a request by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones.
The commissioner said the inspection would cover the “end-to-end process” from call-handling in the control room, dispatch and initial attendance at incidents of serious violence.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct previously launched an investigation in July into two officers for potential gross misconduct over their interactions with Mr Nowak on the night he was stabbed.
The watchdog is also examining whether race or religion played a part in the officers’ decision-making.