A jury inquest will investigate whether any police actions or delays contributed to the death of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak. Nowak died on December 3, 2025, after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa in Southampton. The inquest, scheduled for September 20, 2027, aims to scrutinize the full circumstances surrounding Nowak's death, which have not been comprehensively examined.

The need for a jury inquest arises from the duty of the state to conduct a public investigation, allowing Henry Nowak's family full participation, which they were unable to achieve during the trial of his attacker. The family did not attend the brief hearing where the inquest's scope was outlined.

During the trial of Vickrum Digwa, it was heard that Nowak repeatedly told officers he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe. An officer commenced CPR when Nowak lost consciousness, unaware of the severe chest wound. Digwa, who claimed Nowak had attacked him, was found guilty of murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years.

The coroner, Jason Pegg, stated that the central issue for the inquest will be "whether any act or omission by a police officer or any delay in the treatment Henry Nowak received caused or contributed to death." This examination will focus on the critical moments following the stabbing and the police response.

During Digwa's sentencing, Judge William Mousley KC noted that the pathologist's findings indicated that no medical intervention could have saved Nowak. The judge relayed that "no emergency medical treatment would have permitted access to the bleeding vein" and in simpler terms, "he would not have survived, however quickly he received first aid, CPR or expert medical treatment."

Despite this medical assessment, the coroner emphasized the state's obligation to hold a public investigation. This process is intended to provide a more thorough examination of events and offer a platform for the family to participate fully in understanding the circumstances of Henry Nowak's death.

The inquest will allow for a detailed review of the police response, including the actions taken immediately after the incident and any perceived delays in treatment. It seeks to establish whether any procedural or operational aspects of the police response played a role, irrespective of the ultimate medical cause of death.

Further details regarding the inquest proceedings and potential evidence to be presented will emerge as the September 2027 date approaches. The outcome could provide a clearer understanding of the events and potentially inform future police protocols in similar critical incidents.