Why Henry Nowak's murder sparked a debate on race and policing in the UK | Global News Podcast

The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, and his treatment by police in the moments before his death, have sparked a backlash in Britain.

Newly released video shows that Mr Nowak, who was white, was handcuffed and arrested as he lay dying - despite telling officers he had been stabbed and couldn't breathe. His killer, Sikh man Vickrum Digwa, had falsely accused him of a racist attack.

The BBC's political correspondent Rob Watson tells us that the case has provoked a debate about race and policing in the UK.

Nigel Farage, the leader of the right-wing populist Reform Party, has claimed Mr Nowak's death was evidence of "anti-white prejudice" and "two-tier policing", suggesting that the British public react with "pure, cold rage". Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged calm, and accused Mr Farage of exploiting the murder to create "grievance and division". He has also said the police face "serious questions".

On Tuesday, at least 11 police officers were injured in clashes with protestors near the site of the murder.

Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boon has said the force is "sorry for handcuffing and arresting Henry", and that an investigation by the police watchdog will aim to understand the officers' actions.

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00:00 Introduction 00:21 What happened to Henry Nowak 02:13 Protests against police 02:29 How politicians are reacting 03:56 Racial tensions in the UK 05:10 A feeling of division Britain 06:30 Lack of trust in institutions 07:34 How the UK government is responding to Henry Nowak's murder