'I can't breathe': Police who handcuffed Henry Nowak being investigated

An investigation has been formally launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who passed away while in police custody in the English city of Southampton. British authorities are scrutinising the actions of officers involved after the teenager reportedly pleaded for medical assistance, stating he could not breathe and had been wounded during the encounter.

The incident, which has sparked significant public concern, occurred while Mr. Nowak was restrained in handcuffs. Independent watchdogs are now examining the timeline of events leading up to his passing to determine if police protocols were strictly followed during the restraint. Preliminary reports indicate the student was in a state of extreme distress before he became unresponsive in the presence of law enforcement.

“When the state’s duty of care meets the ultimate failure of life, the integrity of law enforcement hinges entirely on the transparency of the ensuing search for the truth.”

As the investigation progresses, the local community and student body await further clarity on the medical findings and the specific conduct of the officers on site. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed that all body-worn footage will be reviewed as part of an exhaustive inquiry into this tragic loss of a young life.