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The family of Henry Nowak have welcomed a review into their son’s murder as a “significant moment” and say they hope it will “uncover the truth”, ITV News Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen reports

The family of Henry Nowak have described the “immense” emotional toll of fighting for justice for their murdered son, after the government announced an independent review into the case.

In response to the home secretary’s announcement, the family revealed how they feel “deeply disappointed” by the criminal justice system.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood today said “we must do everything in our power to ensure that no family suffers the same fate” as Mr Nowak’s.

“We owe that to Henry and to all who loved him – they deserve answers, and this review will provide them.”

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, the home secretary said the independent review will be led by former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC and will investigate what was known about Nowak’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, including “any missed opportunities to intervene”.

Henry Nowak was a first-year accounting and finance student at the University of Southampton. Credit: Family handout

The review will also “look at the Nowak family’s experience of the criminal justice system and whether they were supported in the manner they should have been”, Mahmood added.

“Once the Independent Office for Police Conduct has concluded its investigation into the police response, this review will also consider the actions of the IOPC and, if necessary, the police.

“The full terms of reference have been published today, and an initial report will be submitted to me within five months.”

Henry’s family said the review marks a “significant moment” in their “fight for justice”, adding that they hope it will “finally uncover the full truth” about the circumstances around their son’s murder.

The 18-year-old Southampton University student was killed while walking home from a night out on December 3, last year.

Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years in prison, for the murder of Henry Nowak Credit: Hampshire Police

His killer, 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, had falsely accused Henry of a racist attack after stabbing him five times.

Police officers handcuffed and arrested Henry at the scene, disbelieving his repeated pleas that he had been stabbed and couldn’t breathe.

In May, a jury rejected Digwa’s defence that he had been racially abused. He was convicted of Henry’s murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years in prison.

Kiran Kaur, Digwa’s mother, was also sentenced to three years in jail for her role in removing the murder weapon from the scene, thereby assisting her son.

Both Digwa and his mother had pleaded not guilty to their offences.

Body worn footage of Henry’s final moments came to light following Digwa’s trial, causing global uproar about his treatment by police.

Mark Nowak and Katie Woodcock, the father and stepmother of Henry Nowak, leaving No 10 after a meeting in December 2025. Credit: PA

In a statement on Monday, the Nowak family said: “Since Henry was murdered, we’ve fought tirelessly for answers to questions no family should ever have to ask. The emotional toll of that fight, on top of the unimaginable grief of losing Henry, has been immense.

“We hope this review, alongside the ongoing investigations and inquest, will 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.

“We are particularly grateful to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for listening to our concerns and taking action; to the Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC for agreeing to lead the review; and to the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, for first suggesting it and supporting our efforts.

“This is an important step forward, but there is still a long road ahead. We will not stop fighting until we secure the answers, accountability and meaningful change that Henry, and every family in this country, deserves.”

In response to the review, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “The awful circumstances surrounding the tragic murder of Henry Nowak rightly deserve further scrutiny.

“The Nowak family deserved to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity.

“It is right that the Home Office examines their experience of the criminal justice system, including whether the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts and prison and probation services met their responsibilities.“It is also right that relevant organisations which held information about Vickrum Digwa are fully examined.“As commissioner, I will ensure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary cooperate fully with this review, and that the HMICFRS review I requested provides clarity on what requires urgent change.“It is absolutely vital that Henry’s family receive answers to their questions as they continue to suffer the pain of their unimaginable loss.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood Credit: PA Images

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary referred itself to independent police watchdog the IOPC, which is due to report back in December.

Digwa and Kaur are both appealing their sentences at the Court of Appeal next month.

On November 5, Digwa is due to appeal on the grounds that his sentence is too stringent. At the same time, the attorney general is appealing that it is too lenient.

Separately, Digwa is also seeking permission to appeal his conviction.

Kaur is also appealing her sentence on November 5 – despite her being eligible for early release just four weeks later, as revealed by ITV News.

Henry’s family have spoken to ITV News’ UK Editor Paul Brand about their beloved son and brother for the first time, answering questions about the treatment he received, and the police investigation that followed.

‘Dear Henry: Our Fight for Justice’ will air in a Tonight special at 9pm on November 5.

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