The UK government has announced an independent review into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, examining whether public authorities missed opportunities to prevent the killing and how his family was treated following his death.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has appointed former Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk KC to lead the review, which will examine the actions of multiple agencies and identify lessons that could help prevent similar tragedies.
The review will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will investigate information available about the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, during the five years before the attack, including whether concerns about his behaviour and possible weapon possession were properly addressed.
Police, Health Services and Other Agencies to Be Examined
The first phase will assess the involvement of police, health services, local authorities, educational institutions and faith organisations in the years leading up to Nowak’s murder.
Investigators will examine what these organisations knew about Digwa, including complaints or concerns relating to alleged violent, threatening and erratic behaviour.
The review will consider whether opportunities existed for agencies to intervene before the fatal attack and whether their responses were appropriate.
Review to Examine Treatment of Nowak Family After His Death
The inquiry will also investigate how the Nowak family was treated by organisations across the criminal justice system following Henry’s murder.
This part of the review will cover the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and HM Prison and Probation Service.
The investigation is intended to establish whether the family’s experiences raised concerns about how public authorities handled the case and its aftermath.
Second Phase to Follow Police Conduct Investigation
The second phase will begin after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) completes its investigation into the actions of police officers who attended the scene.
That phase will examine the conduct of the IOPC and, if necessary, the police.
The two-stage approach will allow the review to consider the wider circumstances surrounding the murder alongside questions arising from the response of individual officers and oversight bodies.
Alex Chalk Expected to Deliver Initial Findings by March 2027
Chalk, who previously served as Lord Chancellor, has been tasked with conducting the review independently and examining the evidence surrounding the case.
He is expected to submit the findings from the first phase to Mahmood by March 2027.
Chalk said serious questions had been raised about whether agencies and organisations had acted appropriately on complaints concerning Digwa’s alleged violent and erratic behaviour.
He said his review would follow the evidence without fear or favour and would also examine how public authorities treated the Nowak family during their bereavement.
Home Secretary Pays Tribute to Henry Nowak and His Family
Mahmood described the murder as a horrific and senseless crime, noting that Nowak was only 18 and had his life ahead of him.
She said the family had shown courage and dignity in seeking answers and that their case had raised legitimate questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the killing.
Mahmood said the review would pursue those questions and thanked Chalk for agreeing to lead the investigation, citing his experience and expertise.
She added that the review would examine the case thoroughly and with the seriousness it required.
Nowak Family Welcomes Review After Campaign for Answers
The Nowak family welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant development in their campaign for justice.
In a statement, they said they had spent considerable time seeking answers following Henry’s death and that the process had placed an additional emotional burden on them while they were grieving.
They said they hoped the independent review, alongside ongoing investigations and the inquest, would establish the full circumstances of the case and lead to accountability and meaningful change.
The family also thanked Mahmood for responding to their concerns and Chalk for taking on the role.
They acknowledged that further work remained and said they would continue seeking answers and changes intended to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Knife Crime
The government has renewed its commitment to tackling knife crime, following the Nowak family’s calls for measures to prevent similar incidents.
As part of its broader strategy to halve knife crime, the government said it was working with law enforcement agencies, schools and communities to prevent violence, support young people and bring offenders to justice.
The independent review will examine the circumstances of Nowak’s murder and the actions of public authorities, with its first phase expected to report by March 2027.
