Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated there are "serious questions for police" after the release of bodycam footage depicting the arrest of Henry Nowak. The footage shows officers responding to the murder of the 18-year-old Southampton university student, who was later found to have been fatally stabbed.

This incident comes in the wake of Vickrum Digwa, 23, being sentenced to a minimum of 21 years for the murder. Digwa stabbed Nowak with a 21cm blade, which he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith. The bodycam footage captures Nowak being handcuffed and telling officers "I can't breathe." This occurred after Digwa allegedly misled officers at the scene, falsely claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack.

On Tuesday evening, the situation escalated in Southampton, where several hundred people gathered, leading to clashes between protesters and riot police. The events have prompted police chiefs to re-examine their anti-racism commitments, specifically those suggesting differential treatment for ethnic minorities to achieve equality of outcomes.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs and indicated a willingness to implement changes where necessary. Last year, the NPCC published a document outlining anti-racism commitments, stating that racism is a significant issue in policing and that achieving equality of outcomes requires responding to specific circumstances rather than treating everyone identically.

This approach, however, has drawn criticism. A source close to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the document's wording as "clumsy." The Conservatives have argued that treating individuals differently based on their skin color is inappropriate. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the NPCC, has stated that the organization "can and will make changes" if required.

Mahmood condemned the unrest in Southampton as "completely unacceptable." She also referenced a plea from the Nowak family not to let Henry's death be exploited to foster division or hatred, stating there is "no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder."

Speaking to broadcasters earlier on Tuesday, Sir Keir described the bodycam footage as "really harrowing" and admitted he felt "sick watching it." He emphasized that "the question of how accusations of racism informed decision making must be addressed."

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has confirmed it is conducting an ongoing investigation into the police force's actions during the incident, seeking to clarify the precise circumstances and decisions made by officers.