Defence · Homeland security · 28 October 2026
Home Office announces independent review into Henry Nowak murder
The Home Office has announced an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Henry Nowak. The review will examine if opportunities to prevent the attack were missed and how the family was treated. Phase 1 of the report is expected by March 2027.
The Home Office has confirmed the appointment of an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. Alex Chalk, former Lord Chancellor, has been appointed to lead the investigation. The review is designed to examine whether opportunities to prevent the murder were missed and to assess the response of public authorities.
Under the plans, the review is divided into 2 parts. Phase 1 will investigate what was known about the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, in the 5 years before the attack. It will also look at how the Nowak family was treated by criminal justice agencies after the death. The Nowak family stated: "Today's announcement of the Henry Nowak Independent Review is a significant moment in our fight for justice."
Phase 2 will begin only after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concludes its investigation into police actions. This stage will consider the actions of the IOPC and, if necessary, the police. The report for Phase 1 is expected by March 2027. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the review will leave no stone unturned in seeking answers to questions about prevention and public authority response.
Written by StreetOwl from Home Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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