Protest against the killing of Henry Novak
The killing of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak sparked violent clashes between protesters and police in Southampton on Tuesday night, leaving 11 officers and a police dog injured, as public anger intensified over the police handling of the case.The BBC reported that two people have been arrested so far, and authorities warned that more arrests could occur as investigations continue.Nowak, a British-Polish teenager from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was pursuing a degree in accounting and finance at the University of Southampton. He had recently completed his first term before being fatally stabbed.
Protests turn into violence
Hundreds of people gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station before heading towards the Portswood area, near the home of convicted murderer Vikram Dhigua.The protest escalated into chaos as some protesters threw bottles, cans, chairs, torches and other objects at riot police.
Police said homes and vehicles owned by local residents were damaged during the unrest. Officers wearing protective gear were sometimes forced to retreat when rockets were thrown at them.Boxes and other projectiles have now been thrown at police officers guarding the surprise protest outside Southampton Central Police Station.
Political activist Tommy Robinson addressed the crowd outside the police station earlier in the evening before tensions escalated.
Two arrests have been made, and more are expected
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones confirmed that two people had been arrested following the disturbances – one on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and the other for possession of a weapon.She said police will review footage from drones, body cameras and social media as part of the ongoing investigation, indicating additional arrests are likely.Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned the violence, while Jones stressed that although people have the right to protest, attacks on officers and disruption of public order are unacceptable.
Murder conviction sparks outrage
The protests came a day after 23-year-old Vikram Dhigwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years for the murder of Nowak, a University of Southampton student from Chafford Hundred, Essex.The attack occurred on 3 December 2025 in the Portswood area of Southampton.
Prosecutors said Degoa stabbed Nowak several times after a brief confrontation on the sidewalk. The victim tried to escape before collapsing from his injuries.DeGoa claimed self-defense during his trial, alleging that Nowak racially abused and assaulted him. Jurors rejected his story and convicted him of murder and possession of a knife in public.His mother, Kiran Kaur, was also convicted of assisting a criminal after the weapon was removed from the scene.
Bodycam footage sparks public outrage
Public outrage intensified after the release of police body camera footage showing Nowak repeatedly telling officers that he had been stabbed while lying on the ground handcuffed.Degoa had falsely told officers that he was the victim of a racist attack, which led police to initially arrest Nowak instead of his attacker.
The police chief calls for calm
Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Bone acknowledged public concerns about the case but condemned the violence witnessed at the protests.“We understand and appreciate as police officers that we are accountable for our actions,” Boone said, adding that accountability must be pursued through appropriate and transparent processes.He said officers had faced threats and violence during the disturbances, and stressed that increased patrols would remain in place across Southampton in the coming days.
