Swindon Reform UK councillors are to challenge a Wiltshire Police race policy following the death of Henry Nowak in Southampton.
Group spokesperson James Head announced that he and the party’s 13 other councillors will be writing to the force over their Police Race Action Plan.
According to the politician, the document talks about building greater trust and confidence within the county’s black communities.
18-year-old Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed to death in Southampton on 3 December 2025. Vickrum Digwa was later convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years.
The case sparked national controversy after body-worn footage showed Nowak being handcuffed as he lay dying, despite telling officers he had been stabbed.
His killer had falsely claimed self-defence and racial abuse, which was rejected in court, but the police response prompted wider debate about race and allegations of “two-tier” policing.
In a public post on social media, Councillor Head wrote: “Along with many people across the country, Reform UK Swindon is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Henry Nowak.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, friends and all those affected by this appalling incident.
“Given the serious concerns that have been raised regarding the circumstances surrounding Henry’s death and the police response on the night, the 14 Reform UK Swindon Councillors will be writing to the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police seeking assurances that a full and thorough review of Wiltshire Police policies, procedures and training takes place.
“We would specifically like Wiltshire Police to update their Police Race Action Plan which currently states ‘critically reviewing our practices to ensure that we apply our powers proportionately, remove bias and discrimination wherever we can and start to build greater trust and confidence within our Black communities’.
“Reform UK Swindon would like this to say within all communities (which includes White British).
“Where lessons can be learned from the events surrounding Henry’s death and the reviews now being undertaken in Hampshire, they should be identified and implemented without delay within Wiltshire Police.
“Public confidence in policing depends on fairness, professionalism and the willingness of forces to learn from mistakes wherever they occur.”
In response, Wiltshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “We recognise the concern relating to this tragic incident.
“The actions of the officers involved are subject to an investigation by the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) and it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case.
“Our neighbourhood teams are working closely with our communities to respond to their concerns and provide appropriate support and reassurance.
“It is essential that we police without fear or favour in keeping the peace and enforcing the law. We must do so to earn the confidence of all communities.”
