(SeaPRwire) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the violent protests following the death of a student handcuffed by police after being stabbed.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to at least 21 years for murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton in December 2025.
New police footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak despite his pleas of injury and breathing difficulties. Digwa, a Sikh, falsely claimed a racist attack.
The incident sparked violent protests in Southampton, injuring 11 police officers and damaging property.
Starmer acknowledged serious questions, emphasizing no justification for violence.
He called the protests disgraceful and unacceptable in the House of Commons.
The case has raised concerns about racial tensions and polarized debate on immigration and policing.
Nigel Farage claimed two-tier policing based on ethnicity.
Starmer rejected Farage’s comments, highlighting Nowak’s family’s wishes.
Tensions were high in Southampton on Tuesday night, with police reporting various incidents.
Chief Constable Alexis Boon said two arrests were made, and investigations continue.
U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the scenes, warning of legal consequences.
The police bodycam footage shows Nowak being arrested after being stabbed by Digwa.
Nowak told police he couldn’t breathe and had been stabbed, but an officer doubted it.
Police said they started CPR within minutes, and a pathologist said nothing could have saved Nowak.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the officers’ actions.
Sikh community expresses concern amid violent protests
The murder has reignited debate over the legal exemption for Sikhs to carry a kirpan.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Digwa carried two ceremonial blades, called kirpans by the judge.
The judge said the privilege of carrying a bladed article brings responsibility.
The Sikh Federation (UK) disputes the characterization of the blade used by Digwa.
Some right-wing figures call for repealing the right to carry a kirpan in public.
Labour lawmaker Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi accuses them of politicizing the issue.
Jas Singh of the Sikh Federation says there’s grief and fear in the community.
He calls right-wing comments irresponsible and dangerous.
Since Digwa’s arrest, many Sikhs have faced violence and harassment.
Singh is concerned Sikhs may be targeted after the Southampton protests near a gurdwara.
He welcomes Starmer and Mahmood’s remarks but wants real support for the community.
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