SOUTHAMPTON, England — Shocking bodycam footage has sparked protests in the UK after police handcuffed 18-year-old student Henry Nowak as he bled out from multiple stab wounds.

Nowak was attacked on December 3, 2025, by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who stabbed him five times — including a fatal wound to the heart — using an 8-inch blade. Digwa falsely claimed Nowak had racially abused him.

Officers initially believed the attacker’s story, handcuffing the dying Nowak despite his pleas of “I can’t breathe” and “I’ve been stabbed.” One officer reportedly replied, “I don’t think you have, mate.”

Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years on Monday. The case has fueled accusations of “two-tier policing” and ignited violent protests outside Southampton police station.

Hampshire Police have referred the officers’ actions to an independent watchdog.