Police Bodycam Release Sparks Violent Disorder in Southampton

Hampshire police released bodycam footage on June 2, 2026, from the arrest of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old stabbing victim, prompting violent protests in Southampton's Portswood district. Hundreds gathered over two nights; 11 officers and a police dog were injured. The footage captured police response to Nowak's fatal stabbing by Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh man who claimed he was the attack's victim. Officers initially did not believe Nowak's account of being stabbed. The bodycam evidence catalyzed anger over police handling, though specific footage details remain undisclosed.