West Midland Sikh MPs speak out following Henry Nowak's murder

Three Sikh MPs from the West Midlands have urged the public not to allow the murder of a teenager by a Sikh killer to divide communities or blame innocent people for Henry Nowak’s death.

Warinder Juss, Sonia Kumar and Gurinder Singh Josan have all signed a letter condemning Mr Nowak’s murder at the hands of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who was this week jailed for life at Southampton Crown Court.

Mr Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West, Miss Kumar, MP for Dudley, and Mr Josan, MP for Smethwick said they all stood in solidarity with the family and loved ones of 18-year-old Mr Nowak following the ‘senseless and tragic loss of his life’.

The MPs said their thoughts were with them in their grief.

“Nothing can lessen the pain of losing a son, brother and friend in such horrific circumstances,” they said.

Hampshire Police are now facing investigation following reports that they handcuffed and arrested Mr Nowak as he lay dying from stab wounds, after Digwa falsely claimed he had acted in self-defence following a racial assault.

The Prime Minister said video footage of Mr Nowak’s arrest made him ‘feel sick’, and said police had questions to answer.

Mr Nowak was stabbed with an 8in knife that Digwa claimed he carried for religious reasons, but Sikh leaders have said there was no reason why he would need to carry such a weapon.

The MPs said the case was not about race or religion, but the criminal behaviour of one man who alone bore responsibility for his actions.

They said the legal process had operated as it should, with no special treatment afforded and no religious exemption used to mitigate the crime.

“The judge was clear that Digwa abused the responsibilities that accompany religious freedoms and that his actions stirred racial tension and caused fear within the Sikh community itself,” they said.

“Across the country, Sikhs have responded with an outpouring of sympathy and condolences for Henry’s family.

“Sikh organisations, gurdwaras and community leaders have been swift, public and unequivocal in condemning Digwa’s actions and the false claims he made in an

apparent attempt to evade responsibility for his crime.

“We are deeply distressed by the circumstances surrounding Henry’s death, including the body worn video footage and the treatment he received in his final moments.”

They said the questions that had been raised deserved proper examination through the processes that had already begun.

“Henry’s family deserve answers, and confidence that lessons will be learned,” they said.

“At a time when emotions are understandably raw, we urge people not to allow the actions of one murderer to divide communities or fuel hostility towards innocent people.

“The Sikh community shares the grief, shock and anger felt across the country.

“We mourn Henry Nowak, stand with his family, and support the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability.”