Police chief apologises to Nowak's family - a recappublished at 17:11 BST
In an interview with the BBC's Lucy Manning, Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boon said the force is "sorry for handcuffing and arresting Henry [Nowak]". Here's a recap of what he said:
- He described bodycam footage of Nowak's arrest - which showed the 18-year-old being handcuffed after telling officers he had been stabbed - as "distressing" and a "very difficult watch"
- "I really feel for the family of Henry at this time", he said, adding that he understands "their point of view and why they're upset with the police"
- Asked about his officers' actions shown in the footage, Boon said they respond to "really difficult, unpredictable situations", and that an investigation by the police watchdog will aim to understand "what they did and why they did it"
- The officers involved have not been suspended, but are not currently on frontline duties, he said. One of the four has left the force, though not in relation to the incident
- On claims of "two-tier policing" from figures such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Boon said he doesn't recognise the allegations, and said he sees officers "day in, day out" doing their job for all communities
- The chief constable described the scenes on the streets of Southampton last night as "disgraceful", adding that people arrived "intent" on violence and causing damage. He said officers worked "bravely and courageously" to protect the community
- Asked about Farage's call for "pure cold rage" in response to the incident, Boon said it's "not for me" to comment on individual politicians, but added that they have "a level of responsibility"














