Two United Kingdom police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct after they handcuffed a stabbing victim as he lay dying, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced. The incident involved 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was fatally stabbed in Southampton, England, in December 2025 by Vickrum Digwa.

Digwa, who is British Sikh, initially lied to police at the scene, falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack. The two responding officers accepted Digwa's false account, treating Nowak as a suspect rather than the victim he was. This critical error occurred as Nowak lay on the ground, unable to breathe.

Body-camera footage from the officers' equipment captured Nowak's pleas of "I can't breathe" going unanswered by the officers. The footage has since sparked protests, significant political debate, and widespread questioning about the treatment of different ethnic groups by law enforcement. Digwa was sentenced last month to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder.

The IOPC stated that the two officers have been informed of the ongoing investigation. Their actions are being examined for potential breaches of professional conduct standards, including duties and responsibilities, use of force, and discreditable conduct. The investigation will assess whether the officers failed to recognize Nowak's urgent need for medical attention and delayed providing aid in favour of arresting and handcuffing him.

Specifically, the IOPC noted that "there is also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed." The office is also investigating whether race or religion played any role in the officers' conduct during the incident.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director of Engagement, commented that "two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations." He added that "clear evidence" suggests "public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident," a factor the IOPC will consider. The final decision on whether disciplinary proceedings will be initiated will be made at the conclusion of the investigation.

The case has drawn attention from far-right activists and commentators, who have reportedly used it to advance their narratives. The circumstances surrounding the initial police response and the subsequent investigation into the officers' conduct highlight ongoing concerns about accountability and equity within UK policing.

Questions remain about the full extent of the officers' awareness of Nowak's condition and the precise sequence of events leading to his handcuffing. The IOPC's investigation aims to provide clarity on these matters and determine appropriate action.