Violent protests in Southampton after student death and related police controversies
A UK minister condemned violent protests over a student death; Henry Nowak was killed in a December 2025 Southampton attack. Subsequent disputes involve policing guidance, alleged racist attacks, police conduct, protest injuries, and comments from the prime minister.
A UK minister condemned violent protests over the death of a student. Henry Nowak was killed in an attack in Southampton in December 2025.
The policing minister criticised anti‑discrimination guidance that would treat black and white suspects differently, according to the Guardian.
Vickrum Digwa told police he was a victim of a racist attack, Time.com reported. Time.com later reported that the allegation that Digwa was a victim of a racist attack was proved false.
Police footage shows officers continued to handcuff Henry Nowak despite his pleas that he was struggling to breathe and was injured, Time.com reported.
The protests in Southampton resulted in 11 police officers being injured and damage to property and vehicles, Time.com reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there are serious questions to answer about how accusations of racism informed police thinking and that there is no justification for more violence and disorder, Time.com reported.
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