Authorities announced new arrests after reviewing footage from social media and drones.
Protests are taking place in the British city of Southampton against the murder of Henry Novak – an 18-year-old student who died due to police negligence; the demonstration escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement.
Crowds gathered in Southampton to express their outrage over the murder of Henry Novak and how he was treated by the police. The protest subsequently turned into clashes as demonstrators threw bottles, flares, and other objects at law enforcement.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones reported that two people were arrested following these protests: one for assaulting a police officer and the other for possession of a weapon.
The official announced that more arrests would follow after reviewing footage from social media and drones. She also urged protesters to remain calm.
"I believe we must respect this and try to channel the anger and frustration, allow justice to take its course, and use this as the family has asked us to do: to make greater efforts to combat the epidemic of knife crime and ensure that his death leads to positive changes," Jones stated.
Eighteen-year-old Henry Novak died in Southampton on December 4 of last year. The student was injured by 23-year-old Vikrum Digva. The attacker struck with a 21-centimeter blade, which he claimed to carry as part of his Sikh faith.
Digva filmed a video of the wounded Novak lying on the floor. When the police arrived, the attacker lied to the officers, claiming that Novak had knocked off his turban and was racially insulting him.
His statements prompted the police to initially handcuff Novak while he was already dying on the ground. The wounded teenager repeatedly complained that he could not breathe. He tried to inform them that he had been stabbed, to which one of the police officers responded, "I don’t think so, mate." Eventually, the officers removed the handcuffs and began CPR, but the teenager soon died. Digva was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.
Last month, London police arrested 43 people during the far-right Unite the Kingdom march and a pro-Palestinian rally that took place simultaneously.
On that day in London, amidst a significant police presence, thousands gathered for a march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which merged with a counter-demonstration that coincided with the pro-Palestinian protest.
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