The Oxfordshire and Thames Valley Civic, Community and Faith Leaders Groups has issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow at the murder of Henry Nowak, extending heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family, and urging calm and restraint in the wake of violent unrest in Southampton. Vickrum Digwa was convicted of Henry Nowak’s murder and sentenced on 1 June, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct is continuing its investigation into the police response to the incident.
The Group said that first and foremost, its thoughts and prayers are with Henry’s family and loved ones, and that the pain of their loss must remain at the centre of public attention. Recent reporting has also highlighted the dignity and courage shown by Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, who has appealed for his son’s murder not to be used to sow division between communities.
Bishop Gavin Collins, Acting Bishop of Oxford, and Imam Monawar Hussain, who co-chair the Oxfordshire and Thames Valley Civic, Community and Faith Leaders Groups, said:
“Yesterday’s verdict in the murder of Henry Nowak brings no relief from the terrible pain of a young life taken so brutally. Our hearts go out to Henry’s family, and we hold them in our thoughts and prayers with the deepest sympathy.
“We also wish to honour the courage and dignity of Mark Nowak, whose words have reminded the country that this terrible crime must not be used to divide our communities. That is a message of real moral clarity at a moment of grief, anger and tension. It deserves to be heard.
“We are deeply concerned by the violence and disorder seen in Southampton overnight. No family mourning such a devastating loss should see that grief turned into an excuse for further hatred, fear or unrest. We call for calm, responsibility and restraint on all sides.
“It is vital that space is now given for the Independent Office for Police Conduct to complete its inquiry thoroughly and independently. Serious questions must be examined with patience, fairness and integrity.
“At the same time, we recognise the hugely important service that the police provide every day in protecting the public and keeping our communities safe. Public confidence matters deeply, and so too does acknowledging the difficult and essential work carried out by officers across our region and beyond.
“We recognise the distress and concern felt within the Sikh community, and we stand with Sikh communities who have clearly and repeatedly condemned this murder and who should not be made to carry responsibility for the actions of one individual. There is no place for collective blame or for prejudice of any kind.
“This is a moment to stand with a grieving family, to reject those who would exploit tragedy for division, and to recommit ourselves to the values of decency, peace and shared responsibility.”
The Oxfordshire and Thames Valley Civic, Community and Faith Leaders Groups said that at a time of heightened public emotion, both leaders and communities alike must act in ways that strengthen, rather than erode, social trust.