Henry Novak murder protests turn violent: Sikh man sentenced to life in prison, 11 police officers injured, 2 arrested

The murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak on Tuesday night sparked violent clashes between protesters and police in Southampton, injuring 11 officers and a police dog, as public anger over the police’s handling of the case intensified.Two people have been arrested so far, and authorities have warned that more may be arrested as the investigation continues, the BBC reported.Nowak, a British-Polish teenager from Chafford Pad, Essex, is studying for a degree in accounting and finance at the University of Southampton. He had just completed his first term before being stabbed.

Protests turn violent

Hundreds of people gathered outside Southampton central police station before heading to the Portswood area near the home of convicted killer Vickrum Digwa.The protests escalated into chaos, with some protesters throwing bottles, cans, chairs, flares and other objects at riot police.Police said local residents’ homes and vehicles were damaged during the riots. Police wearing protective gear were sometimes forced to retreat as missiles were thrown at them.Bins and other projectiles have been thrown at police officers outside Southampton Central Police Station.Tensions escalated after political activist Tommy Robinson addressed a crowd outside the police station earlier in the evening.

Two people arrested, more arrests expected

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones confirmed two people were arrested following the riot, one on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and the other for possession of a weapon.She said police would review drone, body camera and social media footage as part of the ongoing investigation and hinted that further arrests were possible.Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violence, while Jones stressed that while people had the right to protest, attacking police officers and disrupting public order was unacceptable.

Murder charges spark outrage

The protest came a day after Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of Nowak, a Southampton University student from Chafford Hundred, Essex.The attack occurred on December 3, 2025, in the Portswood area of ​​Southampton. Prosecutors said Digueva stabbed Nowak multiple times after a brief encounter on the sidewalk. The victim tried to run away but fell to the ground from his injuries.Digueva claimed self-defense during the trial, accusing Nowak of racially abusing him and assaulting him. Jurors rejected his story and found him guilty of murder and public possession of a knife.His mother Kiran Kaur was also convicted of assisting an offender after removing a weapon from the scene.

Body camera footage sparks public outcry

Public outrage intensified after police body camera footage showed Nowak repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed while lying on the ground in handcuffs.Digueva lied about being the victim of a racist attack, leading police to initially detain Nowak instead of the attacker.

Police chief calls on people to remain calm

Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boone acknowledged public concerns about the case but condemned the violence witnessed during the protests.“As police officers, we understand and appreciate that we are responsible for our actions,” Boone said, adding that accountability must be pursued through a proper and transparent process.He said police faced threats and violence during the unrest and confirmed increased patrols would continue across Southampton in the coming days.