Student Henry Nowak repeatedly told police officers "I can't breathe" as he lay dying in handcuffs after being stabbed, bodycam footage has revealed. The 18-year-old was handcuffed after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, 23, falsely claimed to officers at the scene of the 2025 stabbing that he had been the victim of a racist attack.

The footage, released by the force with permission from Nowak's family, shows the student pleading "I've been stabbed," while one officer responded, "I don't think you have mate." Nowak suffered stab wounds to his legs and a fatal wound to his heart inflicted by a 21cm (8in) blade.

Digwa, who claimed he carried the knife as part of his Sikh faith, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed an investigation into the police force's actions is ongoing. Separately, the attorney general's office is reviewing Digwa's jail sentence under the unduly lenient sentence scheme following multiple requests.

Nowak's family described his treatment by police as inhumane and degrading. His father, Mark Nowak, stated that Henry "told officers that he could not breathe nine times" and "told them that he had been stabbed four times." He added that his son "was pulled across the gravel, his hands forced behind his back and he was placed in handcuffs."

Mark Nowak highlighted the "unbearable" contrast between how his son and the killer were treated. "Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said, adding that his son "did not die with dignity."

The released bodycam footage shows an officer arriving at the scene and asking for the student's name. Nowak, lying on the ground, faintly replies "Henry." As the video progresses, Digwa enters the frame, alleging Nowak had removed his turban and grabbed him by the hair.

When asked if he was injured, Digwa told the officer, "Yeah, yeah, I've got a swollen eye here, a little bruise here." The officers then turned their attention back to Nowak, who can be heard grunting and repeating "I've been stabbed" before saying "I can't breathe" as he is made to sit up to be handcuffed.

The police force has since issued an apology for their actions. The IOPC's investigation will examine the conduct of the officers present and the decisions made at the scene, which could lead to disciplinary actions if misconduct is found.