Two police officers involved in the arrest of Henry Nowak before he died from a stab wound are being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years on 1 June for the murder of the 18-year-old in Southampton, after falsely claiming Nowak had racially abused him.
Anger erupted after a three-minute police body-worn video was released showing Nowak, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died.
As part of its ongoing review of the case, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued a statement on Wednesday morning that said two Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers were under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
The IOPC said: “The evidence indicates that both officers – who were the first to arrive at the scene – may have potentially breached the professional behaviour standards of duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct.”
According to the watchdog, the breaches relate to potential failures to recognise that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to immediately act after he said he had been stabbed and he couldn’t breathe, and the decision to arrest and handcuff Nowak rather than provide immediate first aid.
One of the officers may have also breached standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy when appearing to dismiss Nowak repeatedly saying he had been stabbed.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: “We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Henry’s family and friends. Our investigators met with Henry’s family earlier this month, where we were able to discuss our investigation with them in depth, now that criminal proceedings have concluded.
“We are obliged to constantly review the evidence obtained throughout our investigations and assess any indications of potential misconduct for officers involved. As a result, two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations.
“There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence.
“The serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”
The IOPC said that Nowak’s family had been updated on its investigation, which had been widened following formal complaints about the force.
The body is also investigating whether the race or religion of either Nowak or the Digwa family impacted on the actions and decision making of the officers, and whether officers’ decisions were influenced by assumptions or prejudice relating to community tensions at the time.
Despite calls by Nowak’s family for the teenager death’s to not create further division, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was accused of stoking up racial tensions when he insisted the case showed “two-tier policing”.
Mr Campbell said: “It is also an important part of our role to identify whether any changes are needed to national or force policies or procedures, to improve police practice.”
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