Two police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct after the case of Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed and arrested as he lay dying from a stab wound. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that evidence suggests the first officers on the scene may have breached professional standards.

Henry Nowak, 18, was fatally stabbed in December 2025 by Vickrum Digwa, who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years. Digwa had initially falsely claimed to police that he was the victim of a racist attack. The IOPC's investigation centers on whether the officers failed to recognize the severity of Nowak's injuries and prioritized his arrest and handcuffing over providing immediate medical assistance.

The watchdog also indicated that one officer might have failed to show appropriate respect and courtesy by appearing to dismiss Nowak's claim of being stabbed. This development follows a BBC report revealing it took eight minutes for officers to discover the fatal stab wound after arriving at the scene. Nowak's family, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, have been informed of the IOPC's decision.

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell stated that investigators had discussed the probe in depth with Henry Nowak's family now that criminal proceedings have concluded. He added that the incident had "clear evidence" of potentially harming public confidence in the police force, a factor being considered in the assessment of evidence. The IOPC clarified that serving gross misconduct notices does not guarantee disciplinary proceedings will follow, as a final decision on this will be made at the investigation's conclusion.

Following recent discussions and formal complaints from Henry Nowak's family, the IOPC has expanded its independent investigation. The probe is now examining the actions of officers at the scene, including the decision to arrest and handcuff Nowak and the first aid provided. It is also scrutinizing the decisions and actions of control room staff, including how calls were handled and what information was relayed to attending officers and the ambulance service.

The IOPC is also investigating whether the race or religion of either Henry Nowak or the Digwa family influenced the officers' decisions. This includes assessing whether any assumptions or prejudice related to community tensions played a role in their actions and decision-making processes at the scene.

The investigation aims to determine if the officers' conduct met the required standards of professional behavior. The family's formal complaints have prompted a broader look at the initial response and decision-making protocols.

Questions remain regarding the precise timeline of events at the scene and the specific communication between the control room and the attending officers. The IOPC's findings will be crucial in understanding the full circumstances and determining accountability.