Independent review to probe Henry Nowak murder as family welcomes 'significant moment'

Independent review to probe Henry Nowak murder as family welcomes 'significant moment' Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review will be launched into the police response to Henry Nowak's murder after the teen was handcuffed as he lay dying Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review will be opened into the murder of Henry Nowak. The Home Secretary confirmed that former Tory Lord Chancellor, Alex Chalk KC, will head the probe, which Henry's family has branded a "significant moment" in their fight for justice. University student Henry, 18, was stabbed to death on his way home in Southampton last December. Police handcuffed him as he lay dying after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed he had been racially abused. Harrowing bodycam footage sparked an outcry when it was released after Digwa was found guilty. Ms Mahmood told MPs: "We must get to the truth of what happened before, during and after that awful night and we must do everything in our power to make sure no other families endure the same fate. We owe that to Henry and all who loved him. They deserve answers and this review will provide them." Despite repeatedly telling officers that he had been stabbed, one of the police officers told Henry: "I don't think you have mate." An investigation into potential gross misconduct by two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers was launched following Digwa's trial. 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." They added: “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 newly-announced review will be in two parts, Ms Mahmood said. The first stage will investigate whether opportunities were missed to prevent Henry’s murder - examining what was known about Digwa in the five years before the attack. This will focus on police, health services, local authorities and educational institutions, as well as faith organisations. It will cover concerns about weapon possession and Digwa's violent, threatening and erratic behaviour. This phase will also look at the way the Nowak family was treated by the criminal justice system. The second phase will look at the actions of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - which is investigating the conduct of two officers. It will also look at police if necessary. Digwa was jailed for a minimum of 21 years. Shortly after his sentencing, Solicitor General Ellie Reeves applied for his sentence to be reconsidered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. She said at the time: "This case horrified me, and I know that feeling is shared by the British public. It is right that difficult questions need to be answered about the way the police handled Henry's Nowak’s murder, while my role is to review Digwa's sentence for his crimes." The referal to the Court of Appeal is set to be heard next month. After seeing the footage, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This has understandably been devastating for his parents, for his family and everybody who knew him. And I have seen the bodycam footage. It's harrowing, and I have to say, as a father of a 17 year old boy, I felt sick watching it."