Police watchdog investigates Henry Nowak’s arresting officers for gross misconduct
Two police officers involved in the arrest of Henry Nowak before he died from a stab wound are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison for murdering the 18-year-old in Southampton on June 1 after she falsely claimed Henry had racially abused her.
The outrage erupted after the release of a three-minute police body-worn video showing Henry, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, being handcuffed moments before he lost consciousness and subsequently died.
As part of its ongoing review of the case, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued a statement on Wednesday morning saying two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers were under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
The IOPC said: “The evidence suggests that both police officers who were first on the scene may have potentially breached standards of professional conduct relating to duties and responsibilities, use of force and discreditable conduct.”
The IOPC said the violations related to possible failures to recognize that Henry needed urgent medical attention, to act immediately after he said he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and to the decision to arrest and handcuff Henry rather than immediately provide first aid.
One of the officers may have also violated standards of authority, respect and courtesy when he dismissed Henry, saying he had been stabbed multiple times.
IOPC engagement director Derrick Campbell said: “We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Henry’s family and friends. “Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month and now that the criminal case has concluded we have been able to discuss our investigation in depth with them.
“We must continually review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and evaluate possible signs of misconduct for the officers involved. As a result, the two officers will now face serious misconduct investigations.”
“There is clear evidence that public confidence in the police may have been seriously damaged by this incident and this is a factor we must take into account when assessing the evidence.
“The service of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated. At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers will face disciplinary proceedings.”
This is a breaking story; More to come…
