Police officers push back demonstrators near Portswood police station in Southampton. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesPolice officers push back demonstrators near Portswood police station in Southampton. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesProtesters clash with police in Southampton over Henry Nowak murderDemonstration follows family’s plea for death not to be used to create division
Hundreds of people gathered outside a Southampton police station to protest against the murder of Henry Nowak and dozens clashed with police close to the home of his killer, Vickrum Digwa.
The far-right activist Tommy Robinson was among speakers who addressed the crowd outside Southampton central police station at the “Justice for Henry Nowak” protest.
People chanted: “Racist police, off our streets” and “Shame on you”. They held union flags and homemade signs with slogans such as “Henry’s blood is on your hands”, “Save our kids” and “Prison 4 police on scene”.
Police condemn calls for ‘vigilante justice’ over murder of Henry NowakRead moreA few hundred then marched to the area where the murder took place. Police held them back as they tried to get into the street where Digwa’s family lives. Some protesters hurled bottles, beer cans and wheelie bins at police.
Protest gathered outside Southampton central police station. Photograph: Ollie Thompson/Solent News & Photo Agency/Solent NewsAfter Digwa was jailed, Nowak’s father, Mark Nowak, condemned the “inhumane and degrading” treatment of his son by police, but added: “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.”
Robinson accused Hampshire police of institutional racism, saying: “If Henry wasn’t white, he wouldn’t have been handcuffed.” Responding to the resignation of one of the police officers involved in the arrest, he said: “We want him in prison.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said: “I heard someone say this wasn’t about race, this is about race. Even after they found out he [Digwa] had stabbed him five times, they still didn’t handcuff him. A white boy who done nothing was handcuffed, a murderer in possession of a knife who stabbed someone five times isn’t.”
He continued: “As white people we are treated like second-rate citizens by our own government. White privilege? Does Henry look like he has white privilege when he was on the floor?”
Nick Tenconi, the leader of the UK Independence Party, led a prayer at the demonstration for Nowak as members of the crowd chanted: “Henry, Henry.” Tenconi said: “The arresting officers believed persecuting him [Nowak] was more important than saving him because he was white.” He added: “I am here to fight for an end to woke policing.”
Starmer urges calm as far right seeks to exploit Henry Nowak murderRead moreProtesters chanted the last words of Nowak “I can’t breathe” directed at the dozens of officers watching over the demonstration.
The actor and right-wing commentator, Laurence Fox, who attended, claimed there were 4,000 people there, but others estimated the crowd at about 1,000.
Police charged with perspex shields in an attempt to push the crowd back. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/ReutersA line of police blocked them from entering Digwa’s street and protesters were seen arguing with officers. People shouted: “Shame on you, shame on you.”
A police helicopter hovered overhead as officers were pelted with stones. They charged with perspex shields in an attempt to push the crowd back.
At Portswood police station, nearby, people were seen throwing glass bottles at police cars.
Jamie Smith, from Southampton, said: “I am here for Henry. I saw the video online when he was handcuffed and dragged on the floor after being stabbed and I want the police to be held accountable. We don’t want trouble but emotions are high.”
Rone Christian said: “I stand with Henry’s family. I just can’t imagine if something like that happened to my son. I don’t think the situation in the country is pretty and I question how any government can fix it.”
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, said: “The scenes this evening in Portswood are completely unacceptable.
“The Nowak family made a powerful call to us all yesterday to not let Henry’s death be used to create further division, hatred or tension.
“There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder. Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law.”
Explore more on these topicsShareReuse this content
