Two arrests as 11 officers hurt in Nowak protests

The disorder erupted on Tuesday evening in the Portswood area, near the family home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday for Nowak's murder, with a minimum term of 21 years. Protesters gathered first outside Southampton Central Police Station before moving towards the residential area, where tensions escalated into violence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the unrest during Prime Minister's Questions, describing the scenes as "disgraceful and completely unacceptable". While acknowledging the serious concerns surrounding the police response to Nowak's death, he stressed that violence and disorder could not be justified. The incident has attracted significant public attention following the release of police bodycam footage showing officers arresting and handcuffing Nowak as he lay fatally wounded. The teenager repeatedly told officers he had been stabbed, while Digwa falsely claimed he had been the victim of a racist attack. An investigation into the police response is now being carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Alexis Boon said some individuals had attended the protest with the intention of causing disorder. He reported that bottles, flares and makeshift weapons were thrown at officers, while homes and vehicles belonging to local residents were also damaged. "We understand the public expects accountability from the police," Boon said. "However, that accountability must come through fair and transparent processes. What we witnessed was unacceptable violence directed at officers and the wider community." Police expect further arrests as investigations continue and have increased patrols across the area, supported by specialist officers. Local politicians also appealed for calm. Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey said the violence contradicted the wishes of Nowak's family, who had called for unity and urged against further division following their son's death. He noted that many people involved in the disorder had travelled from outside Southampton and said local residents had been left distressed by the events. Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur echoed those concerns, urging communities to come together during a period of mourning rather than deepen divisions. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones also condemned the violence, arguing that criminal behaviour undermines legitimate calls for accountability and justice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood joined senior political figures in denouncing the attacks on police officers. The unrest comes amid growing scrutiny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's handling of the incident that led to Nowak's death. One officer involved has since resigned, while three others remain serving officers and are currently being treated as witnesses in the IOPC investigation. Police have also warned against misinformation circulating online after an officer unconnected to the case received death threats following mistaken identification on social media. The IOPC is examining extensive body-worn video footage and evidence presented during Digwa's trial. Investigators are expected to publish their findings within the next three months. In a statement, Digwa's family expressed their condolences to the Nowak family, apologising for the pain caused by the killing and for the damage done to the reputation of the Sikh community. Two people have been arrested and a total of 11 police officers, along with one police dog, were injured following violent clashes in Southampton linked to the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. The disorder erupted on Tuesday evening in the Portswood area, near the family home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday for Nowak's murder, with a minimum term of 21 years. Protesters gathered first outside Southampton Central Police Station before moving towards the residential area, where tensions escalated into violence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the unrest during Prime Minister's Questions, describing the scenes as "disgraceful and completely unacceptable". While acknowledging the serious concerns surrounding the police response to Nowak's death, he stressed that violence and disorder could not be justified. The incident has attracted significant public attention following the release of police bodycam footage showing officers arresting and handcuffing Nowak as he lay fatally wounded. The teenager repeatedly told officers he had been stabbed, while Digwa falsely claimed he had been the victim of a racist attack. An investigation into the police response is now being carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Alexis Boon said some individuals had attended the protest with the intention of causing disorder. He reported that bottles, flares and makeshift weapons were thrown at officers, while homes and vehicles belonging to local residents were also damaged. "We understand the public expects accountability from the police," Boon said. "However, that accountability must come through fair and transparent processes. What we witnessed was unacceptable violence directed at officers and the wider community." Police expect further arrests as investigations continue and have increased patrols across the area, supported by specialist officers. Local politicians also appealed for calm. Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey said the violence contradicted the wishes of Nowak's family, who had called for unity and urged against further division following their son's death. He noted that many people involved in the disorder had travelled from outside Southampton and said local residents had been left distressed by the events. Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur echoed those concerns, urging communities to come together during a period of mourning rather than deepen divisions. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones also condemned the violence, arguing that criminal behaviour undermines legitimate calls for accountability and justice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood joined senior political figures in denouncing the attacks on police officers. The unrest comes amid growing scrutiny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's handling of the incident that led to Nowak's death. One officer involved has since resigned, while three others remain serving officers and are currently being treated as witnesses in the IOPC investigation. Police have also warned against misinformation circulating online after an officer unconnected to the case received death threats following mistaken identification on social media. The IOPC is examining extensive body-worn video footage and evidence presented during Digwa's trial. Investigators are expected to publish their findings within the next three months. In a statement, Digwa's family expressed their condolences to the Nowak family, apologising for the pain caused by the killing and for the damage done to the reputation of the Sikh community.