By Islam El-Sakka
The family of Henry Nowak, who was stabbed to death last year, has accused politicians of exploiting his murder for political gain and said he "would have hated" the riots that followed his death. Nowak was killed by Vickrum Digwa and then handcuffed by police as he lay dying after his attacker falsely accused him of racial abuse.
Family Speaks in ITV Documentary
In an interview for the ITV Tonight documentary "Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice," Nowak's mother Lucy Ross said she felt some people had tried to use her son's death to advance wider political arguments. "I'm not interested in your political game," she said. His father Mark Nowak described his son as "not a divisive person" and said the political response "didn't sit with Henry's values or our values."
Protests and Political Reactions
In the weeks after the killing, protesters including leaders of Ukip, Britain First, and the Portsmouth branch of the National Rebirth Party demonstrated in Southampton. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage delivered an emergency address calling for the public to respond with "pure cold rage" and demanding an end to what he described as "two-tier policing."
Police Investigations and Reviews
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its investigation into potential failures in the police response is expected to conclude early next year. A letter to the family in April stated no officers would face conduct or criminal investigation, but in July the IOPC announced two officers were under investigation for potential gross misconduct. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has commissioned an independent review led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk to examine any missed opportunities to intervene.
Documentary Airing Details
"Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice" will air on Thursday at 9pm on ITV, ITVX, and the ITV News YouTube channel.
