The IOPC has confirmed it is investigating the conduct of two police officers and their alleged failure to recognise Henry Nowak needed urgent medical help after being stabbed09:55, 01 Jul 2026Updated 10:26, 01 Jul 2026Two Hampshire police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct over the arrest and handcuffing of Henry Nowak.‌The 18-year-old told officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe after the attack in Southampton on December 3 last year, but officers ignored his pleas and failed to realise he was mortally injured.‌Henry was not offered first aid and was instead handcuffed as he lay dying.‌The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has launched a probe into the conduct of the officers and their alleged failure to recognise the student needed urgent medical help after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa.Digwa, 23, was last month jailed for life for the fatal attack, after which he told police a "wicked lie" that he had been the victim of a racist attack, a court heard.‌According to the IOPC, evidence suggests that the two cops may have potentially breached the professional behaviour standards of duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct.One of the officers is under investigation for potentially breaching conduct standards by dismissing the teenager's claim that he had been stabbed. The watchdog is also looking at whether race or religion played a part in the officers' decision making.Henry's family has been informed of the decision to launch an investigation.‌Henry, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was a first-year accountancy and finance student at the University of Southampton.Anger erupted after police body-worn video was released showing the teenager being placed in handcuffs moments before he became unconscious and subsequently died, leading to protests in Southampton that quickly spiralled into violence.‌Multiple police officers were injured during clashes with demonstrators, and at least 28 people arrested for a number of offences, including violent disorder and assaulting a police officer.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.Article continues below"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."