Key facts
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned violent protests over the death of Henry Nowak.
- Starmer stated that exploiting Nowak's case to stir tensions was "unforgivable."
- Starmer directly rebuffed Nigel Farage's call for "pure cold rage."
- Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to 21 years for the murder of Henry Nowak.
- Police footage shows officers handcuffing Nowak while he stated he couldn't breathe and was injured.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned violent protests that erupted following the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was handcuffed by police after being stabbed. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years for the murder. Police footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak despite his pleas that he was injured and struggling to breathe. The incident has sparked protests, resulting in injuries to 11 police officers and property damage. Starmer acknowledged serious questions about police thinking regarding accusations of racism but stressed there is "no justification for more violence and disorder." He directly rebuffed populist leader Nigel Farage, who claimed "two-tier policing" and called for "pure cold rage," stating that exploiting the tragedy for division was "unforgivable," especially as Nowak's family urged against it. The case has heightened concerns about racial tensions and polarization around immigration and policing in Britain. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the officers' contact with Nowak, who is being treated as a witness.