Protesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak murder | Southampton
Hundreds of people gathered outside Southampton police station to protest the murder of Henry Nowak, and dozens clashed with police near the home of his killer Vickrum Digwa.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among the speakers who addressed the crowd outside Southampton central police station at the “Justice for Henry Nowak” protest.
People chanted “Racist police, get off our streets” and “Shame on you.” They carried union flags and homemade banners with slogans such as “Henry’s blood is on your hands,” “Save our children” and “Jail 4 police are on the scene.”
Several hundred people then marched to the area where the murder took place. As they tried to enter the street where Digwa’s family lived, the police stopped them. Some protesters threw bottles, beer cans and wheelie bins at police.
After Digwa was jailed, Nowak’s father, Mark Nowak, condemned the “inhumane and degrading” treatment of his son by police, but added: “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to help make our streets safer for everyone.”
Robinson accused Hampshire police of institutional racism, saying: “If Henry wasn’t white he wouldn’t have been handcuffed.” Responding to the resignation of one of the police officers involved in the arrest, he said: “We want him in prison.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said: “I heard someone say it wasn’t about race, it was about race. Even after finding out that [Digwa] They had stabbed him five times but still hadn’t handcuffed him. “A white kid who did nothing was handcuffed, a murderer who had a knife and stabbed someone five times was not handcuffed.”
He continued: “As white people, we are treated like second-class citizens by our own government. White privilege? Does Henry look like he has white privilege when he’s on the field?”
UK Independence Party leader Nick Tenconi prayed for Nowak at the demonstration, while the crowd chanted “Henry, Henry”. Tenconi said: “The arresting officers believed they were brutalizing him [Nowak] It was more important than saving him because he was white.” He added: “I’m here to fight to end woke policing.”
Protesters chanted Nowak’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” towards dozens of police officers watching the demonstration.
Actor and right-wing commentator Laurence Fox, who attended, claimed that 4,000 people were there, while others estimated the crowd at around 1,000.
A line of police officers prevented them from entering Digwa street and protesters were seen arguing with officers. “Shame on you, shame on you,” people shouted.
A police helicopter flew overhead as officers were pelted with rocks. They attacked with perspex shields to push the crowd back.
At nearby Portswood police station, people were seen throwing glass bottles at police cars.
Jamie Smith, from Southampton, said: “I’m here for Henry. I saw the video online of him being handcuffed and dragged across the ground after he was stabbed and I want the police to be held accountable. We don’t want any trouble but emotions are high.”
Rone Christian said: “I stand with Henry’s family. I can’t imagine something like this happening to my son. I don’t think the situation in the country is good and I question how any government could fix it.”
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said: “What happened in Portswood this evening is completely unacceptable.
“The Nowak family made a strong appeal to all of us yesterday to not allow Henry’s death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.
“There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to incite violence and mayhem. Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law.”
