University of Southampton student Henry Nowak suffered a puncture wound to his chest and back after an incident in Portsmouth with police providing an update on the investigation
A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of an ‘all-round top lad’ university student who was stabbed to death in an altercation while on a night out with his football teammates.
Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, suffered a puncture wound to his chest and two to the back of his leg during the incident in Belmont Road, Portswood, Southampton, on Wednesday. He died at the scene.
Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that Vickrum Digwa, of St Denys Road, Southampton, has been charged with murder. The suspect, who is British and of Asian ethnicity, has also been charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Kiran Kaur, 52, of St Denys Road, Southampton, who is Indian and of Asian ethnicity, has been charged with assisting an offender. Both are due to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 8.
A 51-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
And a 26-year-old man, who had been arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released with no further action in relation to that offence but was additionally arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a public order offence.
He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Paying tribute to Mr Nowak, his family said in a statement released through police: “Our kind, intelligent and talented son was in his first year at Southampton University studying accountancy and finance.
“He’d smashed his A-levels and was fully embracing university life, joining not one but two football teams, making new friends as well as working part-time at the local Morrisons.
“Henry was loved by all those that knew him. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate. He was an all-round top lad and everyone who was lucky enough to share his company thought the same.
“He went on a night out with his new football teammates, celebrating the end of their first semester at uni. Devastatingly, he never made it home. Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures.
“There are no words to describe just how heartbroken we are that we will never get to see him grow and fulfil his awesome potential. We are so proud of him and all he achieved.
“Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”
In a statement, the University of Southampton said it was “deeply saddened” by the news. Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of our student, Henry Nowak.
“Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. Henry was in his first year here at Southampton and his family have lovingly described how he was embracing university life.
“We are focused on supporting our community of students and staff and want them to know that they can reach out if they are struggling or have concerns. Our student hub is available to contact 24/7 by calling 02380 599 599.
“Of course, we will support the police with their ongoing investigation in any way that we can.”
