Southampton protests over Henry Nowak case turn violent as police clash with demonstrators

A protest calling for “Justice for Henry Nowak” descended into violence on Tuesday night as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside

A protest calling for “Justice for Henry Nowak” descended into violence on Tuesday night as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Southampton Police Station in the United Kingdom, following renewed public anger over the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death in police custody.

The protest, initially organised to demand accountability in the high-profile case, escalated into rioting after tensions rose between police and some sections of the crowd. Officers in riot gear were deployed as clashes broke out, with objects including traffic cones, bins, and stones reportedly thrown toward police lines. In one incident, an officer narrowly avoided being struck by an e-scooter that was thrown from an elevated position, according to eyewitness reports.

The gathering was partly addressed by several far-right political figures who claimed that the death of Henry Nowak was linked to institutional bias within policing. Among those speaking was Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon,who told the crowd that racism played a role in the incident. “If Henry wasn’t white, he wouldn’t have been handcuffed,” he said, further intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

The case relates to 18-year-old Henry Nowak, a University of Southampton student who died in December while in police custody. He had earlier been involved in an incident in which he was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who was later sentenced in connection with the case.

According to reports, Digwa initially told police that Nowak had made racially abusive remarks during the incident. However, body-worn camera footage from the night shows Nowak repeatedly telling officers “I can’t breathe” at least seven times before his condition deteriorated. The circumstances of both the stabbing and the subsequent police response have become central to ongoing public debate.

Protesters at the Southampton demonstration carried placards bearing Nowak’s name and called for justice and accountability. However, the presence of political activists and heated speeches contributed to rising tensions that eventually led to disorder.

Following Digwa’s sentencing, Nowak’s father, Mark Nowak, issued a public statement urging restraint and unity. He said the family did not want their son’s death to be “used to create further division, hatred or tension,” adding that they hoped his story could ultimately contribute to making streets safer for everyone.

The incident has sparked wider political debate in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the circumstances surrounding Nowak’s death and the subsequent unrest, calling for calm and respect for due process.

At the same time, opposition figures, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, have cited the case in broader criticism of what they describe as “two-tier policing,” a claim that has added further political controversy to an already sensitive situation.

Police confirmed that two arrests have been made in connection with the disorder, with further investigations ongoing and additional arrests expected as authorities review video footage from the scene.

The violence has left Southampton authorities facing renewed pressure to balance public protest rights with maintaining public order, while national debate continues over policing practices and accountability in high-profile custody cases.