Independent review of Henry Nowak’s murder announced
Police handling of information about violent and threatening behaviour will be examined as part of an independent review into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
The review, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, will investigate whether opportunities were missed to prevent the killing and how the Nowak family were treated by public authorities afterwards.
Former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC will lead the review, which will examine what was known about Vickrum Digwa during the five years before he murdered Henry on 3 December 2025.
The inquiry will consider information held by police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations, including any concerns about weapon possession and violent, threatening or erratic behaviour.
It will also examine how the family were treated by criminal justice agencies following the murder, including police, the Crown Prosecution Service, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and HM Prison and Probation Service.
The review will be conducted in two phases. The first will examine the circumstances before the murder and the family’s subsequent experiences, with a report expected by March 2027.
The second phase will follow the conclusion of the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s investigation into the actions of officers who attended the scene. It will examine the actions of the IOPC and, if necessary, the police.
The review is intended to identify lessons that could help prevent similar tragedies and improve the response of public authorities to families affected by serious violence.
Mr Chalk said serious questions had been raised about whether agencies failed to act on complaints about Digwa’s behaviour, adding that the review would follow the evidence without fear or favour.
The Nowak family said their experience of the criminal justice system had been deeply disappointing and that they hoped the review would deliver answers, accountability and meaningful change.