Hampshire Police sought to issue a public comment on alleged "disinformation" during the ongoing trial of Vickrum Digwa, accused of murdering 18‑year‑old student Henry Nowak. The Crown Prosecution Service advised the force that such a statement could threaten the integrity of the case, prompting the police to wait until proceedings conclude.

CP​S warns that a "disinformation" statement could jeopardise Digwa's trial

According to the report,prosecutors told Hampshire Police that releasinng a message while the trial is active might impact the "integrity" of the case against Vickrum Digwa. The advice came after the force consulted the CPS about how to address public questions once the legal process is finished.

Body‑cam footage of Nowak’s death fuels public outrage

The controversy intensified after distressing body‑camera video showed officers handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying, despite his pleas that he had been stabbed.. The footage, released to the media, has sparked accusations of "two‑tier" policing, with critics claiming ethnic minorities receive preferential treatment.

Political reactions range from calls for calm to incendiary rhetoric

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged politicians to heed the victim’s family and avoid using the case to "cause disturbances," while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faced backlsh for urging "pure, cold rage". Tory figure Kemi Badenoch blamed police training for "institutional incompetence," and US Vice President JD Vance linked the murder to a "mass invasion of migrants," prompting a sharp rebuke from Downing Street.

Independent Office for Police Conduct launches investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an inquiry into Hampshire Police’s handling of the Nowak incident, examining whether procedural failures contributed to the tragedy and the subsequent public outcry.

Who will finally address the alleged "disinformation"?

The police remain bound by the CPS’s guidance to wait until after the trial to issue any statement. As of now, no official comment on the alleged disinformation has been made, leaving the public and the Nowak family awaiting clarification.