Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the violent disturbances that erupted in Southampton on Tuesday evening, describing the scenes as "disgraceful and completely unacceptable." The unrest followed a demonstration organised in response to the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, whose killing and subsequent treatment by police have sparked widespread public anger.

During clashes between protesters and officers, eleven police personnel were injured as missiles including bricks, bottles, chairs and other objects were thrown.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station for a protest titled Justice for Henry Nowak. Among those addressing the crowd was far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Protesters voiced anger over newly released police bodycam footage showing officers restraining and handcuffing Nowak as he lay critically injured after being stabbed.

The footage, recorded in December, was made public following consultation with Nowak's family and had previously been presented during court proceedings. Portions of the audio were removed by broadcasters due to the distressing nature of the recording.

The video showed killer Vickrum Digwa falsely claiming he had been subjected to racial abuse and acted in self-defence. Digwa alleged that his turban had been knocked off and that he had been assaulted. However, the court rejected these claims, finding no evidence to support allegations of racism.

On Monday, Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The court heard that he used a 21cm blade, which he said he carried as part of his Sikh faith, to fatally stab Nowak as the teenager walked home alone after a night out with friends in Southampton on 3 December.

Speaking outside court, Henry's father, Mark Nowak, expressed deep frustration over what he described as the stark contrast in how his son and his killer were treated.

"Henry should not have died on the streets of Southampton in police custody," he said. Describing the treatment as "inhumane and degrading", he argued that Digwa had been shown greater compassion by authorities.

"Henry did not die with dignity. He did not receive the care he deserved. He lost consciousness before anyone believed him," Mr Nowak said.

Public anger over those circumstances was evident during Tuesday's demonstration. Protesters chanted slogans including "Racist police, off our streets" and "Shame on you," while carrying Union Flags and placards bearing messages such as "Henry's blood is on your hands", "Save our kids" and "Prison for police on scene."

Following the rally, several hundred people marched through Southampton towards the area where the fatal stabbing occurred. Tensions escalated when some attempted to enter the street where Digwa's family reportedly lives. Police blocked access, leading to further confrontations. Some individuals threw bottles, beer cans and wheelie bins at officers.

Despite his criticism of police conduct, Mark Nowak had previously urged people not to exploit his son's death to fuel social division. After Digwa's sentencing, he appealed for unity and warned against using the tragedy to deepen tensions within communities.

The violence was swiftly condemned by senior government figures. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the scenes in Southampton as "completely unacceptable" and referenced the family's plea for restraint.

"The Nowak family made a powerful call to us all not to allow Henry's death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension," she said.

"There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder. Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law."

Political debate surrounding the case intensified after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the actions of police, claiming the incident reflected a wider system in which "the rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities."

Farage argued that an allegation of a racial slur appeared to have been treated more seriously than the fatal attack itself. He also stated that "white lives matter just as much as black lives," a phrase later echoed by former Conservative ministers Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick.

Responding to those remarks, Sir Keir Starmer said Farage's intervention represented "the wrong reaction" to the case, reiterating his call for calm and rejecting attempts to use the tragedy to inflame tensions.

As investigations continue into the disorder, police have pledged to identify those responsible for the violence, while community leaders have urged residents to allow the justice process to take its course and avoid further unrest.