Protests in Southampton following the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police, with disorder reported near both a central police station and the area where the killing occurred.
Hundreds initially gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station under the “Justice for Henry Nowak” banner, before a section of the crowd later moved toward Portswood, where police blocked access to the street linked to the suspect, Vickrum Digwa.
As tensions rose, some protesters chanted “Henry, Henry” alongside slogans including “Shame on you” and “Racist police, off our streets.” Others carried flags and signs expressing anger over the circumstances of the case and the handling of the arrest.
Police said the situation escalated when parts of the crowd attempted to breach cordons and move into restricted areas. Officers were then subjected to thrown objects including bottles, cans, and other debris, prompting the use of shields and crowd control measures. A police helicopter was also deployed overhead.
The protest followed the sentencing of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years for Nowak’s murder, which took place in December while the victim was returning home after a night out.
