Shabana Mahmood has assured the family of Henry Nowak that they will receive explanations following the incident where the teenager was handcuffed while dying.

Addressing the situation, the Home Secretary appealed for calm and emphasized the importance of avoiding community discord stemming from the “evil act” committed.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Henry six times in Southampton using a religious blade.

Neville Lawrence, whose son Stephen was fatally stabbed in 1993, expressed solidarity with Henry’s family, highlighting the tragic recurrence of incorrect assumptions by attending officers in both cases.

Criticism has been directed at Hampshire Police for handcuffing Henry, a finance student, as he bled out in the presence of Digwa, leading to the resignation of one involved officer.

Footage captured during the incident shows Henry repeatedly informing officers of being stabbed before being disregarded and eventually restrained, prompting condemnation from Sir Keir Starmer and an inquiry into potential racial bias in the police’s response.

Digwa misled authorities at the crime scene by falsely claiming to be a victim of a racist assault, with the police watchdog set to release findings within three months.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed ongoing scrutiny of body camera footage and trial evidence related to Digwa.

Despite public outcry over the incident, three officers have not faced misconduct investigations, with plans for watchdog representatives to engage with Henry’s family.

Ms. Mahmood affirmed support for the IOPC’s investigation into the police’s handling of the stabbing and condemned threats made against officers involved.

She stressed the importance of allowing investigations to proceed objectively and responsibly, cautioning against misinformation and divisive rhetoric in the aftermath of Henry’s death.

Efforts to exploit the tragedy for personal or political gain were denounced, with calls for unity and justice prevailing over division and prejudice.

Digwa faced additional charges related to weapons offenses, alongside his family members, in a court appearance following Henry’s murder.

The family of Digwa expressed regret over the loss suffered by the Nowak family, emphasizing their ongoing love for Digwa while awaiting further legal proceedings.