The head of Hampshire Police has said the force has apologised for handcuffing and arresting Henry Nowak as he lay on the ground after being stabbed.
Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “What was filmed there is a tragedy, an absolute tragedy, you can't help but be affected by it,” he told the BBC.
He said he understood why Mr Nowak’s family were upset with the police, which is why the force had said sorry.
Southampton MPs say the “appalling scenes” of Tuesday night have no place in their city following violent clashes between protestors and police.
Eleven police officers and a dog were injured near where teenager Mr Nowak was stabbed to death.
Missiles including chairs, cans and flares were thrown at police in riot gear after hundreds gathered as part of a demonstration.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned Nigel Farage’s response to the murder.
He said: “[Farage’s] response has been to appeal for rage. Rage. That’s his response to a father who has lost his son and asked for that not to happen.”
“To do it when the family has expressed, ‘Please don’t’ is unforgivable.”
Key Points
- Police chief apologises to Nowak family
- ‘Rioters smashed cars as our kids slept – we were terrified’
- Police chief admits some officers may be racist
- 'You are not wanted here': Southampton MPs hit back at rioters
- Starmer condemns ‘disgraceful’ violence after 11 officers and police dog injured
Ex-police officer in hiding after AI falsely links her to Henry Nowak arrest
22:05 , Jane Dalton
Former police officer in hiding after AI falsely linked her to Henry Nowak arrest
Watch: 'The mood is sombre... people are taking out their frustrations in the wrong way'
21:50 , Jane Dalton
Sikh MP says she is receiving 'excessive abuse'
21:42 , Jane Dalton
Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test, who is a practising Sikh, says she has received an “excessive amount of abuse”.
Ms Kaur told Sky News: “I have received an excessive amount of abuse. This isn’t about me, this is about Henry Nowak, his family, and getting justice and ensuring that questions are answered.
“But, as a practising Sikh, is it really tough right now? Yes, it is.”
She added: “Here, it’s raising community tensions, throughout the country, particularly at a time when people that should be showing leadership are using it to sow divisions and hatred and pit one community against another.”
Watch: Pleas for calm amid accusations of political exploitation of death
21:32 , Jane Dalton
Not everyone can be treated the same, says Lawrence barrister
20:30 , Jane Dalton
The barrister who represented the family of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has told Sky News that not everyone can “be treated the same”.
Michael Mansfield said: "”we've been here before”, adding: "What is shocking is that we have not grasped the real nettle here, that equality doesn't mean - I think the Chief Constable of the West Midlands has been right on point today - you don't treat everybody the same.
"That's the whole point. [Nigel] Farage is wrong in what he's accusing police and others of doing."
He went on: "We are a diverse, integrated, nation of many, many different sources. They can't all be treated the same."
West Midlands Acting Chief Constable Scott Green had admitted it was difficult in a "a more polarized society" but his force tried to "police without fear or favour".
Watch: The real reason Farage seized on Nowak murder – analysis
20:20 , Jane Dalton
Nowak case officers distraught, says police chief
20:02 , Jane Dalton
Hampshire's chief constable says the officers involved in responding to Henry Nowak's murder and his arrest are distraught.
Alexis Boon told the Southern Daily Echo the officers are not subject to a misconduct or criminal investigation and are not suspended, but confirmed they are not on frontline duties.
He also hit out at people travelling to Southampton intent on violence after protests turned to riots.
He said: "We will police it, and those that come to cause violence will be held accountable through the law and I'd like to really reassure communities, we're there for them."
Watch: Police chief apologises to Henry Nowak's family
19:45 , Jane Dalton
Police leader says officers must not step back from anti-racism work
18:54 , Jane Dalton
The president of the National Black Police Association has urged police leaders not to step back from the "vital work required to confront and eradicate racism".
Andy George, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, told the BBC: “Whilst allegations of ‘two-tier policing’ have gained prominence in recent years, the wider evidence base and the lived experiences of many of our members continue to show that policing can remain a hostile environment for people from minoritised communities.
“"Policing must continue to ensure that its services are delivered in a fair and equitable manner to all communities, and we will continue to work with policing leaders and partners to help achieve that."
Police chief apologises to Henry Nowak's family
18:45 , Daniel Keane
‘Rioters smashed cars as our kids slept – we were terrified’
18:18 , Jane Dalton
Henry Nowak protests: ‘Rioters smashed cars as our kids slept upstairs’
Police 'should be at fault' says Doreen Lawrence
18:15 , Jane Dalton
Baroness Doreen Lawrence has said the police “should be at fault for what happened” after Henry Nowak was stabbed.
The Labour peer, whose 18-year-old son Stephen was murdered in 1993, told the Lords: “My condolence goes out to Henry Nowak’s family.
“I think what’s happened with him should never have happened. And the police should be at fault for what happened on that night.”
Reflecting on the aftermath of her son’s death, Lady Lawrence said: “What we’ve moved on to is a much better equality for all in this country.”
Police chief denies force anti-black or -white but admits officers may be racist
17:43 , Jane Dalton
The chief constable of Hampshire Police has rejected claims of "two-tier policing", but conceded that there are individual officers who are racist.
Asked by Sky News about two-tier policing, Alexis Boon said: “I would say absolutely not. I see officers day in, day out, on the ground, serving without fear or favour all our communities. And I think that's the case nationally."
Asked whether he believed policing was anti-white, he replied: "No, I don't."
He also denied that it was anti-black, saying: "To be really clear, I do not think policing is racist. There are racist individuals within policing. Of course there are, and there have always been. And we will tackle that and deal with it."
Police chief apologises to Nowak family
17:24 , Jane Dalton
The head of Hampshire Police says the force has apologised for handcuffing and arresting Henry Nowak as he lay on the ground after being stabbed.
Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “What was filmed there is a tragedy, an absolute tragedy, you can't help but be affected by it,” he told the BBC.
He added: "I really feel for the family of Henry at this time."
The chief constable said he understood "their point of view and why they're upset with the police", which he says is why the force have said "we are sorry for handcuffing and arresting Henry".
Andy Burnham calls murder of Henry Nowak 'distressing and deeply troubling'
17:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Andy Burnham has called the tragic murder of Henry Nowak “distressing and deeply troubling”.
In a post online, the Mayor of Greater Manchester wrote: “His family have endured pain no family should ever have to feel.”
What happened to Henry Nowak is distressing and deeply troubling.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) June 3, 2026
His family have endured pain no family should ever have to feel. pic.twitter.com/8HAEF7eowC
Sikhs scared to leave their homes over ‘politicisation’ of Nowak killing: ‘The whole community is being put in the dock’
16:47 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The whole Sikh community has been “put in the dock” and some are scared to go out after the violent reaction to the murder of Henry Nowak that sparked protests led by far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, a community leader has said.
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation UK, told The Independent the community was being targeted over the actions of the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, with reports that Sikhs across the country had been accosted and intimidated.
Mr Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was stabbed to death in December and was arrested and handcuffed as he lay dying on the ground. His killer, Digwa, falsely accused him of racism, leading the police to mistakenly believe that Mr Nowak did not need immediate assistance.
Sikh leader says community is being targeted after ‘politicisation’ of Nowak killing
Police must act 'without fear or favour'- Yvette Cooper
16:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Yvette Cooper said police must act “without fear or favour” when asked whether she had concerns about anti-racism guidance at the time it was published while she served as home secretary.
Asked whether she had concerns at the time the guidance was published that it could lead to questionable behaviour, she told the Press Association: “I’ve always said the police need to respond without fear or favour to anything that happens to safety on the streets and to anything that they face.
“I said that in parliament repeatedly and it’s part of the police oath as well. It’s a fundamental principle of modern policing.
“I support what the home secretary and the prime minister have said about both needing to ensure that there is an investigation taking place into this distressing incident, but also that there can never be any excuse for attacks on the police, and it’s really important to have respect for Henry Nowak’s family who have had to endure so much, and to listen to the things they have said.”
Watch: Southampton MP condemns those ' sowing divisions' in wake of Henry Nowak's murder
16:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
‘Sober reflection, not pure cold rage’: Readers slam Farage for ‘culture war’ response to Henry Nowak murder
16:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our community has accused the Reform UK leader of fuelling a culture war from tragedy, while accepting the case reveals serious failures in police judgement:
Readers have slammed Nigel Farage’s response to the killing of Henry Nowak, with many accusing him of turning a tragedy into a culture war by calling for “pure cold rage” after the stabbing and framing it as evidence of systemic bias within policing.
The comments from our community came after Festus Akinbusoye, a former police and crime commissioner for Bedfordshire and one of the first Black people elected to the role, argued in The Independent that Farage is using the killing of 18-year-old Nowak in Southampton to advance a broader narrative about so-called “two-tier policing”, rather than engaging with the specific facts of the case as they emerge.
Read it here:
‘Sober reflection, not pure cold rage’: Readers slam Farage’s Henry Nowak response
Chief constable warns of prosecutions for online threats against officers
15:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary has warned people who target his officers and their families with “threats to life and harm” could face prosecution.
Alexis Boon said his force was dealing with an “incredible” level of abuse following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of Henry Nowak, not only during the disorder in Southampton on Tuesday evening but online as well.
He said the threats and violence were a part of using the “appalling tragedy to forward their agenda”.
Mr Boon said that the force would be investigating online abuse that involved “threats to life and threats to harm”.
He told the Press Association: “What people don’t see and don’t understand is that because of the divisive rhetoric out there, innocent police officers across my force are being targeted with threats, (and) their families, (with) social media abuse.
“It is quite incredible, it is totally unacceptable. We’re investigating it, but it is a symptom of people using an absolute appalling tragedy to forward their agenda and to make unacceptable threats.”
He added: “We’re investigating, but I think people don’t really appreciate sometimes the fact that honest, decent police officers have been targeted for the fact they are police officers.
“We need our police officers to have confidence to police our communities.“We’re looking after and supporting our people, but it is absolutely unacceptable at this time.”
Sikhs scared to leave their homes over ‘politicisation’ of Nowak killing: ‘The whole community is being put in the dock’
15:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The whole Sikh community has been “put in the dock” and some are scared to go out after the violent reaction to the murder of Henry Nowak that sparked protests led by far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, a community leader has said.
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation UK, told The Independent the community was being targeted over the actions of the perpetrator Vickrum Digwa, with reports that Sikhs across the country had been accosted and intimidated.
Read more here:
Sikh leader says community is being targeted after ‘politicisation’ of Nowak killing
Minister admits police anti-racism guidance is ‘wrong’
15:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
A government minister has admitted the wording of a police commitment to anti-racism, which suggests people should be treated differently according to their ethnicity, is “wrong”.
The government facing questions about the guidance document, prompting police chiefs to pledge to review the guidance in the wake of Henry Nowak’s murder.
The document, produced by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), says officers should respond to individuals and communities “according to their specific needs”, which “does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’”.
Minister admits police anti-racism guidance is ‘wrong’
The real reason Farage has seized on the murder of Henry Nowak
14:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
While Keir Starmer expressed his fury at Nigel Farage’s intervention, political editor David Maddox warns that the Reform UK leader is engaging in the most naked of political opportunism:
The family of the murdered teenager Henry Nowak may have appealed for their son’s tragic and appalling murder not to be used to stoke further division and hatred, but it was clear from Nigel Farage’s intervention that it has fallen on deaf ears.
As he stood up in the Commons chamber during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMWs) to rail against what he claims in a “two tier justice system”, the Reform UK leader may well have had one place in the UK in his mind as he complained that anti-racism measures were responsible for the 18-year-old’s dreadful treatment by police who handcuffed him as he lay dying.
Read more here:
The real reason Farage has seized on the murder of Henry Nowak
Labour MP calls for more security outside gurdwaras amid racism against Sikh community
14:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Nadia Whittome MP has called for “more funding for security outside gurdwaras” amid a sharp rise in anti-Sikh racism.
Solidarity with Sikh communities in Nottingham and across the country, amidst yet another sharp rise in anti-Sikh racism as the far-right shamelessly exploits a young man’s murder.
— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) June 3, 2026
I recently wrote to the Home Secretary making the case for more funding for security outside…
‘We saw them throwing bricks’: Southampton protest witness describes violent clashes after Henry Nowak murder
14:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Police should not ‘shy away’ from historic racism in police forces, Downing Street says
14:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Downing Street has insisted police forces should not “shy away from historic and legitimate concerns of racism” in the wake of Henry Nowak’s murder.
Asked if there was two-tier policing in the UK, the prime minister’s spokesperson insisted policing “must continue without fear or favour”.
Asked if there had been an “overcorrection” of anti-racism in British policing in recent years, the official said: “The prime minister has been clear, as he was in the House and yesterday, that there are serious questions that need to be addressed about accusations of racism, that in this case were false-informed police decision making.
“That doesn't mean we should shy away from historic and legitimate concerns of racism within police forces.”
Bricks and bottles thrown through Portswood resident's car windows
14:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our reporter Dan Haygarth reports from Southampton:
The clean-up after disorder which injured 11 police officers and a police dog in Southampton is ongoing.
Police officers were last night pelted with missiles close to where Henry Nowak was stabbed to death.
Following a protest outside Southampton Central Police station, a large group walked across town to the areas of St Denys and Portswood, close to where the murder was committed.
Chairs, cans and flares were thrown at police in riot gear, eventually forcing officers and police vans back from the line they had been holding.
At Portswood police station, a number of photographs of Mr Nowak, flowers and tributes to him have been laid on the wall outside.
Residents in the area today told The Independent that most of the clean-up happened in the early hours, with bottles, bricks and debris cleared from the streets, but they were left terrified by last night’s scenes of violence.
One home's fence was kicked down and has since been replaced.
When The Independent arrived in the area, Sophie Martin, 38, was fixing plastic sheets across the rear windows of both of her cars parked outside her home, after bricks were put through them last night.
About the scenes in her local area, Ms Martin said: “Around half 7 or half 8, it started getting a bit rowdy.
“Then there was a riot—what I would call a riot. The police were literally right in our driveway. As you can see, our cars have been smashed in, and our kids were asleep upstairs. It was really scary.
“They pushed a bin that was on fire through the police line. That was really scary.
“A massive brick came through my back car window, so there's glass all over my car seats, my kids' car seats, and their bikes. Bricks, bottles, everything.”
We feel less safe here now, says resident in Portswood area
13:54 , Dan Haygarth
Our reporter Dan Haygarth reports from Southampton:
A man who lives in a street where violent disorder broke out in Southampton on Tuesday night said he does not feel as safe as he used to after “intimidating” scenes outside his home.
Dylan Harwood, who lives in the Portswood area near where Henry Nowak was stabbed to death in 2025, described witnessing the clashes between protesters and police.
He told The Independent: “We were all in the house and heard a commotion coming down the road, so we all came out and had a look. You saw quite a large group of people coming down with flags, signs, and things like that.
“The riot police had things thrown at them and ran off. It all culminated at the end of the street there. I know they had it barriered off.
“We tried to stay as far away from it as we could, but we wanted to keep an eye out to keep our own cars and possessions safe.
“We saw them all up on these roofs just up here and on these electrical boxes, throwing things from there, including bricks.
“You'll see bricks torn from the walls there, and electric scooters being thrown across at the riot police. It was a large group and quite a situation.”
Mr Harwood, 23, who has lived in the street for two years, said he understands the anger felt by people about the murder of Mr Nowak but believes it is being expressed in completely the wrong way.
“As I say, I live four doors down from where it happened. I understand the frustration and the sentiment.
“But to be taking it out in the way that it was taken out, I don't think is right. I think there is potentially a group of people who have latched onto that and taken an opportunity.”
Mr Harwood fears that disorder may continue over the coming days - “I think it's a guarantee”, he said.
“Seeing how bad it got last night, I think a lot of people will still continue. Whether it should be in the way that it was, I don't think it should be.”
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No 10 says police chiefs right to seek to change anti-racism document wording
13:38 , Jane Dalton
The National Police Chiefs’ Council is “rightly” seeking to remove “ambiguity” from its commitment to anti-racism in the wake of Henry Nowak’s murder, Downing Street says.
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman told reporters: “The NPCC is rightly reviewing the document to ensure there’s no ambiguity in their guidance.
“We don’t think that language is right.”
Asked which wording the Prime Minister takes issue with, the official said “that is for the NPCC to review” and “I’m not going to go through the guidance line by line”.
“We continue to engage with the NPCC on their plans to review the guidance,” he said.
“The NPCC is independent of government. It’s right that they have the space to review the wording.”
Starmer reads out powerful plea from Henry Nowak’s family in call for unity after violent clashes
13:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Sir Keir Starmer echoed the words of Henry Nowak's father to plead for unity in the wake of the 18-year-old student's death.
After Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life to serve a minimum of 21 years for stabbing Henry Nowak to death, Mark Nowak stood on the steps of Southampton Crown Court on Monday (1 June) and said: “We do not want [Henry's] death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to help make our streets safer for everyone."
Starmer reads out powerful plea from Henry Nowak’s family in call for unity
Mob justice has no place on our streets, says police federation
13:30 , Jane Dalton
Hampshire Police Federation has condemned last night’s violent attacks on officers.
Chairman Spencer Wragg said: “This was not protest. This was violent and sustained disorder and it has no place on the streets of this country.
“Mob justice has no place on our streets.
“Officers were subjected to disgraceful violence – pelted with bottles, bricks and wheelie bins.
“We continue to support all Hampshire Police officers, including our colleagues injured last night, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
“We also thank our colleagues from other parts of the country who travelled to our policing area and offered us valuable mutual aid assistance.”
Mr Wragg said: "The murder of Henry Nowak was a tragedy, our thoughts are with his family and friends.
"The officers' actions that night are subject to rigorous independent scrutiny and we must let that process run its course.”
Officer did not quit because of Nowak arrest
13:24 , Jane Dalton
Hampshire Police have revealed that the officer who resigned did so at the end of last year, and they say it was not as a result of the row over Mr Nowak’s arrest.
PMQs analysis: Nigel Farage wanted the anger of other MPs to his inflammatory comments
13:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political editor David Maddox writes:
Nigel Farage went full inflamatory with his question on the tragic Henry Novak case at the hands of Vickrum Digwa.
He went straight to the nub of the issue alleging that there is a “two tier” justice system where “people of different races are treated differently”.
The disgust of MPs from other parties around him was palpable especially when he referenced protesters in Southampton last night organised by far right activist Tommy Robinson.
“Condemn the violence,” one MP shouted at him but Mr Farage instead suggested there may be more such protests.
Sir Keir Starmer did not hide his anger and outrage in response referencing how Farage was not sticking to the wishes of Henry’s family to not use the murder for division.
But the problem is that Mr Farage wanted this very reaction. Even now Reform is preparing its social media posts to make the claim that the Westminster elite are not concerned about the real concerns of ordinary citizens.
Being reasonable is difficult in these cases and being inflammatory often to easy.
13:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Jasveer Singh, Sikh Press Association senior press officer, said that they were receiving reports from across the country of Sikhs being accosted and intimidated.
He said: "Sikh organisations across the UK have been going out of their way to express sympathies to the loved ones of Henry Nowak, as it is his murder which is the real tragedy of this time. Yet, despite pleas from his father for this not to happen, there are reports coming from across the country of Sikhs being accosted and intimidated, usually revolving around wearing of the kirpan. We have had messages from Kaurs (Sikh women) saying they feel unsafe travelling right now."
He added that community groups were now thinking about how they can safeguard their members. He said: "There is no doubt that some people are incentivised to keep divisive culture-war debates going, and it seems Sikhs are easy currency for that. However, there is also an organic rise of unity of people who may all have different political allegiances and views on religion, but they know a feeling of good community, and it is that which most people associate with Sikhs in Britain."
Watch: Farage claims Britain dealing with two-tier policing as MPs erupt: 'Condemn the violence'
12:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Starmer condemns Farage’s ‘unforgivable’ statement in wake of Henry Nowak murder
12:56 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Nigel Farage’s “unforgivable” statement in the wake of Henry Nowak’s murder.
The 18-year-old student’s father said he did “not want death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.”
But in a statement on Tuesday morning, Mr Farage called on the country to respond to the murder with “pure cold rage”.
“I’m really shocked that he pretends to have respect for Henry’s family, and then acts in this way,” Sir Keir said.
“They have lost their son in the most appalling circumstances, they make a simple plea of us as human beings to please not exploit that. That is their plea to us and we all need to reflect on those words from Henry’s father."
Turning to Mr Farage's statement, the prime minister said: "His response has been to appeal for rage. Rage. That’s his response to a father who has lost his son and asked for that not to happen.
"Exploiting this tragedy to create grievance and division would be wrong in any circumstances but to do it when the family are expressly saying, ‘Please don’t’ is unforgivable.
“It shows exactly who he is.”
Watch: Starmer calls for public to listen to Henry Nowak's family in plea for unity
12:38 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Farage ignores calls to condemn protest violence as he’s heckled in chamber
12:37 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Nigel Farage ignored shouts from fellow MPs urging him to condemn the violence seen at a protest in the wake of Henry Nowak’s murder last night.
Two people were arrested in Southampton, hours after the Reform UK leader called on the country to respond to the murder with “pure cold rage”.
Standing in the Commons during PMQs, Mr Farage declared there was “two-tier policing” in operation in the UK, but his question was drowning out by jeers from MPs around him telling him to “condemn the violence”, which he ignored.
Sir Keir Starmer responded by saying he is “shocked” that Mr Farage “pretends to have respect” for Henry’s family.
Starmer echoes father of Henry Nowak to call for unity
12:33 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer read out the words of Henry Nowak’s father in order to warn against his murder being “hijacked” for division.
The prime minister said he found watching the body cam footage “really hard”, saying he “felt sick” as the father of a 17-year-old boy.
“His family have responded with incredible and immense dignity and bravery,” he said.
“Henry’s father said this: ‘We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.’ They’re the words of a grieving father.”
He said: “We must not allow this tragedy to be hijacked by those who seek to divide us.”
Starmer calls out Farage on his 'unforgivable response' to Henry Nowak's death
12:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Sir Keir Starmer has called out Nigel Farage for his response to Henry Nowak’s death.
Speaking about Henry’s family, the PM said: “They make a simple ask of us as human beings.
“We all need to reflect on the words of Henry’s father.
“[Farage’s] response has been to appeal for rage. Rage. That’s his response to a father who has lost his son and asked for that not to happen.”
“To do it when the family has expressed, ‘Please don’t’ is unforgivable. It shows exactly who he is.”
'Henry Nowak's murder an evil crime, made worse by the lies of the killer'- Sir Ed Davey
12:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Sir Ed Davey has said the murder of Henry Nowak was an “evil crime, made worse by the lies of the killer”.
The Liberal Democrat leader reminded the House that Henry’s father made an impassioned plea to not let his son’s murder become a tool for further division, but to treat knife crime as a “national emergency”.
Sir Ed said: “Does the prime minister agree that the victims of knife crime and their families deserve a politics where we come together to solve these problems and not use them as a political football?”
PMQs analysis: Starmer’s thanks to Badenoch on Novak will please Farage
12:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political editor David Maddox writes:
The claims by the populist right that Labour and the Tories are “a uni party” who stand for the same things and are responsible for the same failures have been resurrected again in the tragic Henry Nowak case.
For those who believe the murder of the 18 year old shows that there has been a two tier justice system with police more scared of beig called racist than protecting the victims of crime, the words of the Labour and Tory leaderships have been thrown back at them.
While Ms Badenoch has taken a considered and measured tone, her previous repeat of “black lives matter” has been the subject of a sustained attack by Reform on social media.
So when Keir Starmer got up to respond to her questions and opened off with a thanks for her responsible approach, the Reform machine looking to stoke division and anger will have been delighted.
Watch: Badenoch says Henry Nowak's death must be a wake up call as she calls for unity and not division
12:20 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
PMQs: Starmer updates MPs on helicopter crash in Devon
12:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Sir Keir Starmer updated MPs on the Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon.
At PMQs, he said he was “aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon”.
“This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible,” he said.
Watch: Starmer condemns 'violence and disorder' against police after Henry Nowak murder
12:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Starmer begins PMQs by condemning ‘disgraceful’ violence at Henry Nowak protest
12:12 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our political reporter Athena Stavrou writes:
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Henry Nowak, and said his family had shows “extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances”
He said there were “questions to be answered”, but said there is “no justification for more violence and disorder”.
He said the scenes in Southampton on Tuesday night were “disgraceful and completely unacceptable”.
The prime minister warned those engaged in violence would face the full force of the law, as they had before, perhaps referring to the 2024 riots that ensued following the Southport murders.
Badenoch says Henry Nowak's arrest and murder a 'wake up call' for the country
12:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Kemi Badenoch has paid tribute to Henry Nowak in PMQs today.
The Tory leader said: “The circumstances around Henry’s wrongful arrest and tragic murder must be a wake up call to to the entire country and our institutions that every life matters.
“It is the responsibilty of everyone in this House to bring people together, not divide them.”
PMQs: Starmer says 'no justification for more violence and disorder'
12:07 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The prime minister has said there is “no justification for more violence and disorder”.
He said at PMQs today: “The acts directed towards police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable.
“This is a time for serious work, not rage.
“Anyone found engaged in disorder will meet the full force of the law.”
Watch live: Starmer grilled at PMQs after violent clashes over Henry Nowak death
12:03 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Watch live: Starmer grilled at PMQs after violent clashes over Henry Nowak death
PMQs to start at midday
11:56 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Prime Minister’s Questions is due to start at midday, with Sir Keir Starmer expected to face a grilling on the latest files related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.
Stay tuned while we bring you the latest lines here.
Sikh community thrown into a 'burning inferno', community leader says
11:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Jas Singh called on the government to provide support for the Sikh community, such as extra security at Gurdwaras and financial support for hate crime reporting.
The principal advisor to the Sikh Federation UK referenced the targeting of ethnic minorities that took place after the migrant hotel protests, saying: "The last thing we want is another tragedy on our hands".
Two Sikh women were raped in separate racially aggravated attacks at the end of last year.Mr Singh said more support was needed for the Sikh community: "We are having to face this barrage of wall to wall demonisation on our own."
He added: "It's snowballed out of control, I would describe it as a burning inferno, our community has never been in the spotlight and in the flames as much as this."
Whole Sikh community now targeted after far right stokes flames of division - Sikh Federation UK
11:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Our home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation UK, told The Independent that the whole Sikh community was now being targeted, with people scared to go out, after the violent reaction to the death of Henry Nowak.
He said that there had been a "politicisation of this case by the Far Right, Restore and Reform", adding: "They have inflamed it and are dragging the Sikh community as a whole into this, which is highly irresponsible."
Mr Singh added: "Especially when the father of Henry has been very clear that he doesn't want this case to fuel hatred, they are doing the exact opposite. Nigel Farage and others are utilising this case for their own agendas".
He added that there are questions for the police to answer about how Mr Nowak was treated in his final moments, and that it was right there would now be a review into the police response.
He warned: "The whole Sikh community is being put in the dock for the actions of one individual. We've been asked every day from people who are scared to go out, because they can't separate themselves from the kirpan. It is an integral part of their being. No one is going to take their turban off, we are a very distinct community. So I explain to people to be vigilant, be conscious of your surroundings, expect comments."
Watch: Policing minister refuses to reveal if officers involved in death of Henry Nowak are still serving on front line
11:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Southampton MP calls for communities to 'come together' in a time of mourning
11:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Southampton MP, Satvir Kaur, has said communities should be “coming together, not stoking division” in a post online.
The Labour MP added that “violence and disorder are never justified” but emphasised that “serious questions” must be answered.
Southampton Labour MP, Satvir Kaur has posted on Facebook:
— Southampton Times (@sotontimes) June 3, 2026
“It is incredibly distressing to witness events playing out in Portswood tonight.
At a time when a family and community are in mourning, we should be coming together, not stoking division and pitting communities against… pic.twitter.com/AfpYdh4iWo
'You are not wanted here': Southampton MPs have strong message for rioters
11:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, and Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test, said: “The appalling scenes we saw yesterday evening have no place in our city.
“The senseless murder of Henry Nowak and the police response have provoked strong feelings and raised serious questions that need answering. These are understandable and legitimate, and we have both been clear about the need for transparency and accountability.
“But we should also be clear about the violence that we saw last night. This was not a lawful and peaceful protest. Instead, it was the grotesque and cynical spectacle of a young man’s death being used to whip up division, inflame tensions, and provoke criminal disorder.
“Henry’s family have said that they do not want his death to be used to create tension. Most of us in Southampton will rightly choose to respect the wishes of a grieving family while allowing the proper processes to run their course. Those who don’t are wrong. The violence and disorder we saw yesterday can never be justified and should not be repeated.
“And to those who choose to come to our city and hijack this tragedy to stoke hatred: you are not wanted here.”
What happened on Tuesday evening?
10:43 , Holly Evans
Two people were arrested for assaulting police and possession of a weapon after hundreds gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Tuesday where Tommy Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – and actor and campaigner Laurence Fox were among those who spoke to the crowd.
Hampshire Police said the number of arrests would increase as investigations continue into the disorder.
Violent scenes broke out after a large group walked across town to the area of Portswood.
Demonstrators chanted “Henry, Henry” as the line of police were pelted with bricks.
Chairs, cans and flares were thrown at police in riot gear, eventually forcing officers and three police vans back from the line they had been holding.
Full statement from Hampshire Police after 'violent scenes' in Southampton
10:26 , Holly Evans
In a written statement, Hampshire Police chief constable Alexis Boon said: “We understand and appreciate as police officers that we are accountable for our actions. What we ask, however, is that those actions are judged through fair and transparent processes. In this case, that process is already under way with the IOPC conducting their independent investigation.
“What we, as a society, cannot accept is the violent scenes we saw in Southampton last night.
“Some clearly arrived intent on causing disorder and trouble. We saw bottles thrown, makeshift weapons used, damage caused to the homes and vehicles of innocent residents, and threats and violence directed towards our officers.
“As a result, 11 officers and one police dog were injured, while trying to do their job to protect the communities that we serve.
“While we are forced to deal with those determined to spark fear and division, our finite resources are taken away from those who need it most.
“I know how intimidating the scenes from last night must have been for those living and working in the area, and to you I must stress we have incredibly experienced teams of officers who are working around the clock to keep you safe – that is our absolute priority.
“You will see more of my officers patrolling your neighbourhoods over the coming days and specialist intelligence teams are supporting those on the front line.
“My officers bravely and robustly faced violence with professionalism and courage last night, and this morning our investigation is under way to identify those responsible for the disorder.
“Last night, we made two arrests and that number will rise as those investigations continue.
“I know that since the release of the body-worn video footage from the night of Henry Nowak’s murder there is a desire for answers and accountability, but that must be done in the right way and not used as an excuse to threaten and intimidate my officers and bring violence to our streets, causing fear and harm to those living and working in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
11 officers and one police dog injured in clashes
10:16 , Holly Evans
Hampshire Police said 11 officers and one police dog were injured after violent clashes between its officers and protesters near where Henry Nowak was stabbed to death in Southampton.
Analysis: Farage and Tommy Robinson stoke the political flames of anger over Henry Nowak
09:09 , Holly Evans
Our political editor David Maddox says:
Nigel Farage’s silence on the protests in Southampton over the Henry Nowak murder and the police handling of it is deafening.
The Reform UK leader does everything he can not to be associated with the far right leader Tommy Robinson who was behind those violent protests.
But the two hold common cause in a way, in politicising this tragedy after Farage’s call for “rage” in response to what happened.
And it has certainly ratcheted up what was already a tense situation. The prime minister Keir Starmer must be concerned that we could see riots again as we did after the Southport murders.
If you look at the measured and thoughtful response from Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, she clearly is worried about that too.
It will be for the government and political establishment to consider whether the anti-racism measures in policing have gone too far.
A simple “we don’t have two tier justice” will not wash with the increasingly angry people on the streets.
More importantly, this is set to become a major issue in the Makerfield by-election where Andy Burnham is hoping to win for Labour en route to becoming PM.
He needs to articulate answers to a constituency that is 97 per cent white working class and already feels overlooked.
