Essex student stabbed to death in Southampton was ‘kind and talented’

The family of a university student who died after being stabbed in the chest while on a night out have described the “devastating” loss of a “kind, intelligent and talented son”.

Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, suffered a puncture wound to his chest and two to the back of his leg during an altercation with two men in Belmont Road, Southampton, on Wednesday. He died at the scene.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said two men, aged 22 and 26, were in custody on suspicion of murder.

A 51-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail, while a 52-year-old woman is in custody on suspicion of assisting an offender, police said.

Paying tribute to Mr Nowak, his family said: “Our kind, intelligent, and talented son was in his first year at Southampton University.

“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.

“Henry was loved by all those that knew him. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate. He was an all-round top lad and everyone who was lucky enough to share his company thought the same.

“He went on a night out with his new football team mates, celebrating the end of their first semester at uni. Devastatingly, he never made it home.

“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.”

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “The investigation, led by our major crime team, is ongoing, and we remain keen to speak with any witnesses who have not yet been in touch with us.”

Police have appealed for any information and CCTV or other footage from the Portswood and St Denys area between 22:00 and 02:00 GMT.