British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, following concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death and the response of police officers who attended the scene.
The investigation will be led by former Conservative Justice Secretary Alex Chalk KC, with an initial report expected by March 2027.
The review will examine whether opportunities were missed to prevent the killing, how public authorities responded to the incident and how Nowak’s family was treated by criminal justice agencies in the aftermath.
Nowak was stabbed five times on December 3, 2025, while returning home after spending an evening with friends.
The case has attracted particular scrutiny following the emergence of police body-camera footage showing officers handcuffing the seriously injured teenager rather than administering first aid as he lay dying.
According to the footage, Nowak repeatedly told officers that he could not breathe.
His attacker, Vikram Digwa, was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years.
Digwa had claimed to police that he was the victim of a racially motivated attack by Nowak, an allegation that formed part of the circumstances surrounding the initial police response.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is separately investigating two officers over allegations that could amount to gross misconduct.
Announcing the independent review, Mahmood described Nowak’s killing as a “horrific and senseless crime” and acknowledged the profound suffering experienced by his family.
She praised the “extraordinary courage and dignity” demonstrated by Nowak’s relatives “in their pursuit of answers.”
“Henry’s case has raised serious and legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy, and about the response of public authorities in its aftermath,” the home secretary said.
Mahmood pledged that the investigation would “leave no stone unturned” in examining the events leading up to the murder and the actions of the authorities afterwards.
The review is expected to consider the conduct of relevant criminal justice agencies, including whether existing procedures were followed and whether institutional failures contributed to the circumstances surrounding the case.
Nowak’s family welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the investigation would provide answers to questions they have raised since his death.
They said they hoped the review would “finally uncover the full truth and deliver the accountability and meaningful change we have fought so hard for.”
“Our experience of the criminal justice system has been deeply disappointing, and we are determined that no other family should have to endure what we have,” the family said.
The independent review will run alongside the ongoing police misconduct investigation, with its initial findings expected to shed further light on the handling of the case and identify any lessons for public authorities.