Why did riots break out in Southampton? | Explained

The story so far:

On June 2, far-right protestors in Southampton in the U.K. clashed with the police. Some of the clashes occurred near the home of Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old Sikh man who received a life sentence on June 1 for killing Henry Nowak, 18, last December.

Why have protests erupted now?

Protests erupted following the release of police bodycam footage which showed Nowak being handcuffed and arrested as he lay dying. Mr. Digwa, who had stabbed Nowak multiple times with a long knife, which he carried for religious reasons, denied the stabbing and falsely claimed that Nowak had racially abused him.

Controversial far-right figure Tommy Robinson (born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) and actor Laurence Fox addressed the crowd before the protests began. At least five people have been arrested after 11 officers were injured in the attack.

How has the political establishment reacted?

The treatment of Nowak drew widespread condemnation. Despite repeatedly telling the police that he had been stabbed and could not breathe, he was dragged, made to sit up, and handcuffed, and disbelieved. On the other hand, the perpetrator was dealt with courteously.

Some on the hard right have alleged that the police practice ‘two-tier policing’ — softer treatment for racial minorities and those on the left committing crimes or protesting. “We cannot allow the colour of someone’s skin to be a consideration in how the police or other public services treat people, and yet this has happened,” Shadow Home Secretary (Conservative) Chirs Philp said in Parliament.

Such accusations are not new. The Keir Starmer-led Labour government had previously rejected these claims as has the Metropolitan Police (Met). U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on June 2 that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was investigating the case and she did not want to comment while the probe was under way. “The police in this country have a sacred duty to police without fear or favour. Everyone in this country is equal before the law,” she said. Ms. Mahmood also emphasised the commitment of the government to halve knife crime.

Mark Nowak, the victim’s father, also urged the government to treat knife crime as an emergency. He said he did not want his son’s murder to be used to create further divisions.

Politicians from several parties, including Labour, Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats, have warned against creating divisions in society as a response to the tragedy. However, nativist party Reform U.K.’s leader, Nigel Farage, called on people to respond with “pure, cold rage”, drawing criticism from MPs across party lines. Conservatives across the Atlantic, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and the U.S. State Department, have inserted themselves into the debate.

A protester holds a mobile phone as he stands in front of police officers during a demonstration following the conviction of Vikrum Digwa for the murder of student Henry Nowak, in Southampton, Britain, June 2, 2026.

| Photo Credit:

Reuters

What next for the police?

One of the four officers who had responded to the scene of the crime had already resigned. A probe by the IOPC to look into the officer’s actions on the night of the murder is also under way. The National Police Chiefs’ Council is reviewing the anti-racism guidance of the police, which has one of its goals, “Producing equality of policing outcomes for people from different ethnic groups”. It goes on to say this “does not mean treating everyone ‘the same’ or being ‘colour blind’ (racial equality).”

How have Sikh groups reacted?

Sikh politicians and representatives of Gurudwaras have expressed solidarity with the Nowak family and condemned the murder. Several prominent voices in the community have distanced themselves from Mr. Digwa and reiterated that he did not stand for Sikh values. They have also discussed the role Sikhs have played in Britain, emphasising their integration into British society and contributions, especially during the World Wars.

Some have also emphasised that the “large dagger” used to commit the murder was not the small curved ceremonial and religious dagger, the kirpan, which is generally worn concealed under clothing. However, the judge in the case said that the second large knife was a religious object, noting that members of the Nihang Sikh order traditionally carry a second, often visible, kirpan, though this is not a strict requirement.

“Fully practicing Sikhs who wear a kirpan should continue to recognise the serious responsibility that accompanies it,” a statement released by the Sikh Press Association said.

Kemi Badenoch, who leads the Opposition in Parliament, has called for a review of what weapons can be carried in public.