Henry Nowak murder, policing guidelines and the far right

June 7, 2026 • UK news

Letters: Savitri Hensman and Sarmad Ahmad Anwar respond to articles on the circumstances surrounding the death of Nowak

On the catastrophic mistreatment of Henry Nowak by police, important points are made in your editorial (The Guardian view on Henry Nowak and the far right: sinister exploitation of a disturbing case, 3 June) and in Jason Okundaye’s article (Henry Nowak was failed in the last moments of his life – and then again by Britain’s disgraceful political class, 3 June). The key issue is that, in a scene where what had happened was not at first clear, officers did not act swiftly to check, and safeguard, the health of someone voicing extreme distress. In addition, it should not be assumed that what is statistically most common is the case in a particular instance. Backtracking on attempts to reduce bias will not prevent future tragedies, but rather make these more likely. Instead, guidelines should be reviewed to consider whether securing the wellbeing and safety of anyone present where there is a risk they might be seriously ill or injured should be prioritised before, if a suspect is unarmed, applying handcuffs. Otherwise, however badly some politicians and influential figures exploit this tragedy, while others back down on addressing inequality, yet more people will die unnecessarily in police custody. Far-right leaders may not care, but many of us do. Savitri Hensman London • I was deeply saddened by the murder of Henry Nowak. As a young British Muslim, I have found it deeply troubling to see some seeking to use this tragedy to advance their own political agendas. Henry’s family have made clear that this is not about race or religion, yet some continue to exploit the case to spread division and hostility. No community should be held responsible for the actions of one individual. At a time when some seek to inflame tensions, we should honour Henry’s memory by seeking justice, respecting his family’s wishes and refusing to turn a personal tragedy into a wider racial or religious conflict. Sarmad Ahmad Anwar Bradford, West Yorkshire • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.

Source: The Guardian