Police Officer forced hiding having been misidentify in Nowak murder | Politics | News
Following the murder of Henry Nowak, a police officer whose identity was misunderstood had to go into hiding. The unnamed officer received death threats and was forced to move from his home to protect himself and his family. Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood confirmed the relocation in a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon.
Ms Mahmood warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” following the murder of Mr Nowak, who was killed by Vickrum Digwa. He described the murder as a “horrible act” in a statement to MPs, adding that Mr Nowak was “a kind, hard-working person and loved by his family and friends”.
But he warned that misinformation spread online following the tragedy had led to death threats against serving police officers.
The Home Secretary praised the officers and said they were carrying out a “sacred duty” to keep British people safe.
He told MPs that police officers should “police without fear or favor”, adding that “everyone is equal before the law in this country”.
Ms Mahmood said: “This is the promise on which our entire justice system is based, and the equality of every citizen is the foundation on which this country’s openness, tolerance and generosity rest.”
He continued: “Threats against police officers are completely unacceptable. There is no justification for intimidation, harassment or trying to take the law into one’s own hands.”
“A police officer unrelated to this incident was misidentified online and received death threats. He was forced to relocate to protect himself and his family.
“Misinformation and inflammatory comments are making the terrible situation worse. We must condemn this together.”
The Home Secretary has asked MPs not to let the murder of Henry Nowak “turn communities against each other”.
His murder was “a despicable and violent crime” and “punishment is reserved for those responsible for the act.”
Ms Mahmood added: “We do not believe in collective punishment in this country, instead we stand together against an act of pure evil. We condemn those who commit this heinous crime, not everyone who shares the same faith or ethnicity.”
Digwa, 23, will serve at least 21 years in prison following the brutal murder. He was also found guilty of carrying a bladed weapon in public, while his mother Kiran Kaur, 53, was also found guilty of aiding the criminal by removing the weapon from the scene.
