A man has been charged with the murder of University of Southampton student Henry Nowak, following a fatal stabbing in Southampton’s Belmont Road on Wednesday night. The incident has shaken the local community and raised renewed concern about student safety in the city.
Police Called to Fatal Incident in Belmont Road, Southampton
Hampshire Police were called at around 11.30pm on 3 December after reports of an alteration on Belmont Road.
When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Henry Nowak, a first-year student studying Accountancy and Finance, with a puncture wound to his chest and two to his leg. Despite immediate medical attention, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Pay Tribute to “Kind, Intelligent, Talented” Henry
Henry’s family released a deeply emotional tribute describing him as:
“Our kind, intelligent, and talented son… Henry was loved by all those that knew him. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate.
Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”
The tribute has resonated widely across the University of Southampton community, where students and staff have expressed shock and grief at the loss of a young man beginning his journey in higher education.
Southampton Man Charged With Murder
Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Team has charged 22-year-old Vickrum Digwa, from Southampton, with murder. He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Police have additionally charged 52-year-old Kiran Kaur, also from Southampton, with assisting an offender.
Both were scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 8 December.
Shock Across University of Southampton Community
Students at the University of Southampton have described feeling devastated and unsettled by the news. Many have been gathering to support one another, attending vigils, and reaching out to student wellbeing services.
The university has encouraged students to use available mental health and pastoral support, particularly for those who may feel unsafe or overwhelmed in the aftermath of the incident.
Student Safety in Southampton: Support and Resources
The team behind the Student Safety App, developed in the aftermath of the student murders in Nottingham, have expressed heartfelt condolences to Henry’s family.
The team stressed that while safety tools can help, community awareness and education on avoiding dangerous situations need to be stepped up.
Speaking about the incident, Monica Ghuman, Student Safety Project Lead, said:
‘I only became aware of this tragic incident later today, and that in itself is deeply heartbreaking’.
As soon as we were aware of this incident, the app sent out notifications to our app users in Southampton to make them aware, keep safe and contact details on how to provide the police with further information to assist with this tragedy.
Students and residents are encouraged to:
travel with friends where possible
make use of well-lit routes
check-in with housemates or friends when out at night
report any suspicious behaviour to police
The loss of such a young life has left Henry’s family, friends, and the wider Southampton community heartbroken, and the news has been especially difficult for students who live, study, and walk the same streets where the incident occurred.
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