Watchdog probes whether race or religion influenced officers’ actions after teenager was handcuffed while fatally wounded
LONDON, July 1 Two United Kingdom police officers are under investigation for potential gross misconduct after they handcuffed an 18-year old stabbing victim instead of immediately providing medical assistance, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced.
The investigation relates to the death of Henry Nowak, who was fatally stabbed in Southampton, southern England, in December. His attacker, Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh, was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted of the murder.
According to the IOPC, evidence gathered during its investigation suggests the two officers may have breached professional standards relating to their duties and responsibilities, use of force and conduct.
The watchdog said the officers are being investigated over their alleged failure to recognise that Nowak required urgent medical attention after he repeatedly told them he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe. Instead, officers arrested and handcuffed him before providing first aid.
The IOPC also said one of the officers may have breached standards relating to authority, respect and courtesy by appearing to dismiss Nowak’s pleas that he had been stabbed.
In addition, the watchdog is examining whether race or religion influenced any of the officers’ actions during the incident.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said there was clear evidence that public confidence in policing may have been seriously undermined by the incident.
“Two officers will now face gross misconduct investigations. There is clear evidence that public confidence in the force may have been seriously harmed by this incident, and that is a factor we must consider when assessing the evidence,” Campbell said.
He added that the watchdog would decide at the conclusion of its investigation whether disciplinary proceedings should be brought against any officers involved.
The case has reignited debate in the United Kingdom over policing practices and the treatment of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Digwa initially misled officers at the scene by falsely claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack before investigators established that he had fatally stabbed Nowak.
The incident has also been seized upon by some far-right activists and commentators, who have cited it as evidence of what they describe as “two tier policing” in the UK’s justice system. Police and government officials have repeatedly rejected claims that the justice system applies the law differently based on race or ethnicity.
Following Digwa’s sentencing, Henry Nowak’s father, Mark, criticised what he described as the “inhumane and degrading” treatment his son received from police in his final moments.
However, he urged against exploiting the tragedy to deepen divisions, saying: “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to help make our streets safer for everyone.”
Source: Aljazeera
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