The family of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old university student who died following an altercation in Portswood, has paid an emotional tribute to their beloved son and brother.
Henry, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, had just begun his first year at Southampton University, studying Accountancy and Finance. On Friday night, while walking along Belmont Road, he reportedly became involved in a confrontation with two men who were not known to him.
Police officers arrived at the scene to find Henry suffering from a puncture wound to his chest and two to the back of his leg. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement released earlier today, Henry’s family described him as “kind, intelligent, and talented”—a young man embracing all aspects of university life. “He’d smashed his A-levels and was fully embracing university life, joining not one but two football teams, making new friends as well as working part-time at the local Morrisons,” they wrote.
Henry was remembered as “an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate,” whose kindness and zest for life left a mark on all who knew him. “He went on a night out with his new football teammates, celebrating the end of their first semester at uni. Devastatingly, he never made it home,” his family added.
“The bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures, has been stolen from us,” their tribute continued. “There are no words to describe just how heartbroken we are that we will never get to see him grow and fulfil his awesome potential. We are so proud of him and all he achieved. Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”
Detectives from the Major Crime Team are leading the ongoing murder investigation, and local neighbourhood officers have stepped up patrols in the Portswood area. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the Portswood or St Denys areas between 10pm and 2am to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44250545892, or to submit information online via the police website. Alternatively, details can be reported anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
