By Basant El-Faramawy
The family of murdered teenager Henry Nowak has accused Hampshire police of misleading them about the circumstances of his death and the police response on the night he was stabbed.
Evolving police accounts
Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, told ITV News that the police narrative changed repeatedly, from claiming officers administered immediate first aid to eventually admitting they handcuffed and arrested the 18-year-old while he was bleeding to death.
Bodycam footage and public outcry
Police body-worn camera footage showed Nowak repeatedly saying “I’ve been stabbed,” to which an officer replied, “Don’t think you have, mate,” before he was handcuffed. The footage sparked public outcry.
IOPC investigation and home secretary review
The Independent Office for Police Conduct initially said in April that no officers would face conduct or criminal investigation, but less than two months later the watchdog launched a full investigation. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also ordered a review into whether opportunities to prevent the murder were missed.
Chief constable apology
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Alexis Boon apologized, acknowledging that police failed Henry in his final moments and that the family raised serious concerns about the investigation.
Family’s sense of betrayal
Nowak’s stepmother, Katie Nowak, said she felt the family had been failed multiple times and feared decisions were made to protect police reputation. His mother, Lucy Ross, questioned why her son was dismissed despite pleading for help nine times.
