STORY
Sir Keir Starmer has urged calm after violent disorder in Southampton following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak. The case has moved rapidly from a criminal justice matter into a national political argument about policing, race and the responsibilities of political leaders during moments of public anger.
Hampshire Police said 11 officers and one police dog were injured during the clashes, while two arrests were reported after protesters gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station. Nowak’s family have said they do not want his death used to inflame division or hostility, a plea which has become central to the Government’s response.
The Prime Minister’s position is that there are serious questions for the police to answer, but that those questions should be addressed through proper investigation rather than street violence. The episode is now likely to dominate Westminster debate for several days, particularly because political figures have already accused one another of exploiting the case.