Shabana Mahmood addresses ‘evil act’ of Henry Nowak’s murder as she warns of abuse against police

Shabana Mahmood has spoken of the “evil act” committed by murderer Vickrum Digwa, who killed 18-year-old student Henry Nowak.

Speaking before Parliament, the Home Secretary expressed her condolences to the family of the young man and warned against abuse of police officers following the incident.

The treatment of Henry Nowak by officers on the scene, handcuffing him in the final moments of his life after his killer accused him of racism, sparked uproar across the nation.

“His murder at the hands of Vikram Vikram Digva was a horrifying act,” Ms Mahmood began.

“Digva murdered Henry and then lied about him as he lay dying, falsely accusing him of racism.

“It was an evil act.

“I know the thoughts of the whole house will now be with Henry's family and his friends, just as mine are.”

The Home Secretary then told lawmakers abuse directed at the police following the case was “unacceptable”.

“The police in this country have a sacred duty to police without fear or favour. Everyone in this country is equal before the law. It is the promise upon which our whole justice system rests, and the equality of every citizen is the foundation on which the openness, tolerance and generosity of this country rests.

“Let me also be clear about one other thing, a dangerous undercurrent that I have seen in the reaction to this awful crime. Threats against police officers are utterly unacceptable.

“There can be no justification for intimidation, abuse, or attempts to take the law into one's own hands.

“A police officer unrelated to this case has been misidentified online and subjected to death threats. He has been forced to relocate to protect himself and his family.

“Misinformation and inflammatory commentary are making a dreadful situation even worse. We must all condemn it together,” the Home Secretary said.

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