Police chief admits force 'failed' Henry Nowak in dying moments

Play Brightcove video In an interview with ITV News' UK Editor Paul Brand, Henry Nowak’s family said they felt they were "not told the truth" by police in the aftermath of his death Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Chief Constable has admitted for the first time that his force "failed" 18-year-old Henry Nowak, ITV News can reveal. Alexis Boon responded to claims made by Henry's family in an interview with ITV News , where they say they fear they may have been “manipulated in their darkest hours” by both Hampshire Police and its watchdog.

Chief Constable Boon said: “Henry’s murder was a devastating tragedy, and our thoughts remain with his family and all those who loved him. I am incredibly sorry that in his final moments, when he needed us most, we failed him." Speaking with ITV News' UK Editor, Paul Brand, in a special ITV Tonight documentary, the Nowak family say the way their son was treated by police is “inexcusable.” Henry was handcuffed and arrested after being fatally stabbed in December, last year.

His killer, Vickrum Digwa – who was convicted of his murder in May – lied to police and said Henry had carried out a racist attack. The police disbelieved Henry's repeated pleas that he had been stabbed. His father, Mark Nowak, says: "After being slaughtered, when you see blue lights, you feel there's a sense of justice. You feel like you're going to get help. And [Henry] got none of that. And then he died." Henry's mother, Lucy Ross says: “Henry told the police nine times that he can't breathe, he can't breathe and he's been stabbed.

What more do you want? ‘Don't think you have mate’ - what the hell is that all about?" “Why was Henry so dismissed and treated so badly? It's bad enough losing a child – to know that then he was treated in his last moments like that," she added. "My poor little boy needed help and he didn’t get it.” Student Henry Nowak died in the city after a night out in December 2025. Credit: Family handout Hampshire Constabulary and Isle of Wight Constabulary initially suggested to them that Henry had been the aggressor, rather than his killer, Vickrum Digwa.

Police told the family that officers had immediately administered first aid to Henry, before admitting that he had in fact been handcuffed and arrested instead. The police watchdog, the IOPC, told the family in April that there was “no evidence” of any misconduct by officers on the night Henry was killed in December last year. ‘Manipulated in our darkest hours’: Henry Nowak’s family say police misled them 'A cry I’ll never forget’: Henry Nowak’s family on hearing he had been murdered The family only saw police bodycam footage of Henry’s arrest on the first day of Digwa’s trial.

Chief Constable Boon has responded to the Nowak family's allegations, saying: “I recognise that, for Henry's family, this has been about more than the circumstances of one night. "They have rightly raised serious concerns about the police response and their treatment throughout the investigation and since. No family should ever find themselves in this position. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News.

Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. “The events surrounding Henry's death remain subject to extensive independent scrutiny. We are co-operating fully with the review by HMICFRS, the IOPC's investigations and the coronial inquest. But I will not wait for their findings to make changes. “Henry deserved better. His family deserved better. I am determined that we learn every lesson from this tragedy and ensure families who place their trust in us are treated with honesty, compassion and professionalism.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary made a mandatory self-referral to the IOPC following Henry's death. The investigation was widened after footage of Henry's arrest became public, with two officers placed under investigation for potential gross misconduct. The IOPC is due to report back early next year. The Home Secretary has also announced an independent review of the whole case - including the IOPC’s involvement. You can watch the ITV Tonight special ‘Dear Henry: Our Fight for Justice’ at 9pm on Thursday, November 5, on ITV1, ITVX, STV and ITV News YouTube Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories?

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