Shabana Mahmood warns of ‘dangerous undercurrent’ after murder of Henry Nowak

The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood , has warned of a “dangerous undercurrent” in the wake of the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by a Sikh man who had fatally stabbed him with a ceremonial dagger. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was sentenced on Monday to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the December 2025 murder of 18-year-old Nowak. Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused and attacked by Nowak and told police that the teenager knocked his turban off and caused an eye injury. Hampshire police released footage from body-worn cameras showing Nowak being handcuffed despite repeatedly telling police officers that he had been stabbed. At one point an officer tells him: “I don’t think you have, mate.” The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage , has called for “pure cold rage” over the disturbing case, which has sparked widespread criticism including on social media. “An accusation of a racial slur was treated more seriously than an act of murder,” Farage said. Speaking in the Commons, Mahmood said one officer had already been misidentified and had had to move out of his home to protect himself and his family after receiving death threats. She told MPs: “The police in this country have a sacred duty: to police without fear or favour. Everyone in this country is equal before the law. …