Shabana Mahmood Condemns 'Violence And Disorder' At Henry Nowak Murder Protest

Shabana Mahmood has condemned the “violence and disorder” which erupted at a protest following Henry Nowak’s murder.

The home secretary accused those involved of “hijacking” the 18-year-old’s death against the wishes of his family.

Far-right activists Tommy Robinson and Laurence Fox were among those who spoke at the “Justice For Henry” event outside Southampton police station on Tuesday evening.

It came a day after Henry Nowak’s killer, Vickrum Digwa, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years.

Henry himself was arrested by police officers after being stabbed four times by Digwa, who falsely claimed he had been racially abused.

Harrowing bodycam footage shows Henry repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” as he is handcuffed at the scene.

Following Digwa’s sentencing at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, Henry’s father, Mark, said: “We do not want Henry’s murder to be used to create further hatred, division or tension.”

However, police were pelted with missiles as violence erupted at Tuesday night’s protest in the Portswood area of Southampton.

In a post on X, Mahmood said: “The scenes this evening in Portswood are completely unacceptable.

“The Nowak family made a powerful call to us all yesterday to not let Henry’s death be used to create further division, hatred or tension. There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder.

“Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law. I thank the police who have tonight shown great bravery and calm in the face of disgraceful violence directed at them.”

Keir Starmer has earlier accused Nigel Farage of “whipping up” division over his reaction to the murder.

The Reform UK leader had said the case is evidence of “two-tier Britain” and proved that “an accusation of racial slur [is taken] more seriously than an act of murder”.

“The rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities,” the Clacton MP said.

But Starmer said: “I think Nigel Farage’s reaction is the wrong reaction.

“I start my answer to your question through the eyes of the family. They have said they do not want this whipped up. They have been through the most extraordinary, awful experience.

“They don’t want this whipped up, and Nigel Farage is completely wrong to use this to try and create division.”

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