English law enforcement is under intense examination following an incident where officers reportedly handcuffed an 18-year-old university student who was bleeding to death after a stabbing. The officers are said to have acted on a false claim by the alleged attacker, who asserted he had been the target of a racist assault.

This case has ignited widespread outrage throughout Britain, stirring political discourse concerning police practices and leading to demands for the public release of body camera footage from the officers present at the scene.

Alan Mendoza, executive director and co-founder of the Henry Jackson Society, a think tank based in London, shared his concerns with Fox News Digital, highlighting systemic issues within British policing. “The tragic death of Henry Nowak underscores the deep-seated issues of political correctness within the British police force,” Mendoza remarked.

He further commented, “There seems to be an automatic tendency to accept claims of racism without scrutiny. In this instance, such a reaction appeared to overshadow the immediate need for addressing the actual murder, as a dying Mr. Nowak was taken into custody based solely on his Sikh attacker’s accusations, with no facts verified by the responding officers.”

BRITISH POLICE RELEASE DETAILS ON SUSPECTS AFTER ‘SHOCKING’ TRAIN ATTACK, UPDATE ON VICTIMS

Freshman student Henry Nowak was stabbed many times by Vikram Digwa who used an eight inch  ceremonial knife in December 2025. Digwa was found guilty of murder last week.  (Hampshire police handout.)

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted Thursday at Southampton Crown Court of murdering Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old finance student at the University of Southampton, during a confrontation on Dec. 3, 2025.

Officers arriving at the chaotic scene initially treated Nowak as the suspect after Digwa allegedly claimed he had been racially abused and attacked. Officers handcuffed Nowak before realizing the severity of his injuries. He later collapsed and died at the scene despite attempts to administer first aid, according to Sky News.

Following the verdict, Hampshire Constabulary publicly apologized and referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), England and Wales’ police watchdog, for investigation. “I’m sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested in the moments before he lost consciousness,” Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France said in a statement reported by Sky News.

Prosecutors told jurors Digwa stabbed Nowak multiple times using a 21-centimeter blade described in court as a Sikh kirpan-style weapon. Digwa claimed he acted in self-defense after being racially abused, but jurors rejected that argument and found him guilty of murder.

The case has since ignited fierce public debate online and in British media over whether police prioritized allegations of racism over basic investigative and medical procedures.

TEXAS PRESS CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN METCALF KILLING DEVOLVES INTO CHAOS OVER TRACK MEET STABBING

Handout photo issued by Hampshire Police of Vickrum Digwa who has been found guilty at Southampton Crown Court of the murder of university student Henry Nowak, who he stabbed to death with a Sikh kirpan ceremonial knife. Digwa told police a “wicked lie” that he was the victim of a racist attack after he stabbed finance student Henry Nowak, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, five times in the incident in Belmont Road, Southampton, on Dec. 3 2025. Issue date: Thursday, May 28, 2026.  (Press Association via AP Images)

Speaking on GB News on Friday, Reform UK Member of Parliament Robert Jenrick called for the release of body-worn camera footage if the Nowak family consents.

“The officers chose to prioritize the accusation of racial abuse over saving the life of this young man,” Jenrick said. “I think that was a terrible mistake.”

Jenrick also criticized what he described as a muted response from Britain’s political establishment compared to reactions following the 2020 death of George Floyd in the United States.

“The Prime Minister says absolutely nothing. The Home Secretary says absolutely nothing.”

The killing has also raised concerns about hostility toward Britain’s Sikh community, which Sikh organizations have sought to distance from the crime.

In a public statement issued following the verdict, Sikh community organizations condemned the killing and stressed that the case should not be viewed as representative of Sikhism.

2 JEWISH MEN STABBED IN LONDON ATTACK CLASSIFIED AS TERRORISM

File of a police car in Derbyshire, England. (Derbyshire Constabulary via Facebook)

“Henry’s life has tragically been cut short by a moment of madness by an individual for which there can be no excuses,” the statement said.

The organizations also acknowledged that “the actions of police officers who handcuffed the victim just before he died” had intensified criticism of police and “unnecessarily stirred up community hatred.”

The statement further emphasized that legal protections allowing Sikhs in Britain to carry ceremonial kirpans for religious purposes do not apply if the blade is used violently.

“We understand in this case the weapon that may have been used was not the normal Kirpan worn by fully practicing Sikhs,” the statement read.

Mendoza stressed that Britain’s Sikh community broadly condemned the murder and supported the investigation.

“It’s legal for Sikhs to carry ceremonial knives in the U.K. but they are almost always tiny ones that religious authorities have ordained are sufficient to fulfil the obligation,” Mendoza told Fox News Digital. “He had one of those, plus his [8 inch] blade.”

A member of the London Met Police stands guard outside Westminster Abbey.  (BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

He also described Digwa as “a weapons nut,” referencing evidence presented during the trial that prosecutors said showed the defendant had a fascination with knives and weapons.

The IOPC investigation into the officers’ actions remains ongoing. Fox News Digital reached out to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Melissa Gilbert and Andrew McCarthy have differing memories about a wild night from the 1980s, particularly on whether McCarthy shared a kiss with Liza Minnelli.

In her 2010 memoir, “Prairie Tale,” the “Little House on the Prairie” actress, now 62, recounts an extraordinary evening during that decade. She, Andrew McCarthy, her then-boyfriend Rob Lowe, and Lowe’s agent, Michael Black, were enjoying a meal at Spago’s. During this time, Minnelli unexpectedly joined their table, and shortly after, Michael Jackson appeared, choosing to sit quietly without uttering a word.

As they finished their desserts, the group pondered their next move. Gilbert notes that the conversation came to a halt, which prompted Michael Jackson to break his silence with the only words he spoke that night.

“You can come to my house,” he offered, “I got a llama.”

Ultimately, the party continued at Sammy Davis Jr.’s residence, minus Jackson, who presumably returned home to spend time with his llama.

Eventually, the evening ended at Black’s apartment, “where suddenly Andrew and Liza started making out.”

When Page Six spoke to the “Pretty in Pink” star, 63, at the press day for the off-Broadway revival of “Are You or Have You Ever Been,” we couldn’t resist asking McCarthy about the delicious story.

“I would love to have made out with Liza Minnelli, but we did not,” McCarthy avowed, although he did confirm some of the story’s elements.

The author of “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” remembered having dinner at Spago’s with Gilbert, Lowe and Black, being seated next to the “Cabaret” star, and going to Davis Jr.’s home for post-prandial drinkies. Oddly, he made no mention of Jackson being at the dinner.

“It was an incredible night,” he gushed. “I should have quit show business then. We did not sing around the piano; mostly, we did a lot of drinking. Sammy was sober, but he was playing bartender.”

So much so that McCarthy was unable to drive home.

“Liza gave me a ride home because I’d drunk too much,” he explained.

“She was super lovely to me,” he added. “They were both generous and kind. I remember Sammy going, ‘I’ve got my eye on you young cat, I like what you’re doing!’ It was great, Rat Pack meets the Brat Pack.”

Minnelli’s publicist declined to comment on whether she played tonsil hockey with the “St. Elmo’s Fire” star.

The spouse of a Maine Democratic Senate hopeful has spoken out following revelations that her husband engaged in sending sexually explicit messages to various women.

On Saturday, it came to light that Graham Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, discovered her husband had sent inappropriate messages to at least a dozen women during a time when the couple was attempting to conceive a child through IVF.

However, Gertner, who has been married to Platner since 2023, labeled these reports as ‘really shameful’ later that evening. This reaction came despite her own disclosure of the information to Genevieve McDonald, who served as Platner’s political director until October, according to a report by The New York Times.

In a video shared on Platner’s campaign page on X, the 41-year-old expressed her desire to address the news articles concerning her marriage to Graham.

“It makes me incredibly angry and disappointed,” Gertner stated, “and I find it really shameful that some media outlets and people choose to spread gossip instead of discussing the real issues Graham is campaigning for, such as healthcare, education, and childcare.”

She went on to insist that she and her husband have a ‘great marriage’ and that they have been struggling with infertility. 

‘Graham and I have a great marriage. Being married is hard. Being newly married is hard. Being newly married and going through infertility is hard. 

‘Being newly married, going through infertility, and a Senate campaign is hard. I don’t even know if I have the right words to describe what we’ve been going through,’ she added. 

Amy Gertner, the wife of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, hit out at media outlets who reported that her husband sent sexually explicit messages to other women

On Saturday it was revealed that Gertner found out that her husband had sent the inappropriate messages to at least a dozen women while she and him were trying to conceive a child through In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Gertner further revealed that the couple has been getting help from a marriage counselor and each of their personal therapists. 

‘And we work on our mental health every day. No marriage is perfect and I don’t want a perfect marriage, I want my marriage, and I want to be married to Graham,’ she added. 

Gertner continued: ‘I admire the f*** out of him. So when there are news article about our marriage, it’s just extra sh****. Can I say that online? I hope I can. 

‘So I think I’m feeling angry today and I don’t normally make public statements, but it’s really important for me to tell all of your out there, especially people who are voting in Maine, that I think it’s shameful behavior to spend time, and energy and resources on negative ads and negative stories on Graham when all he’s trying to do is improve the lives of people who work for a living.’ 

Her comments come after news broke that Gertner told his McDonald about the scandal last year. 

Gertner considered McDonald a friend and told her the information right before Platner was supposed to join a rally with Sanders over Labor Day weekend as she feared it might become a liability, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

In the profile picture from Platner’s Kik account viewed by the Daily Mail, he was wearing only a towel while taking a bare chested photo in the bathroom. 

Platner’s face was not featured in the image, but his tattoos were visible and the Democratic candidate’s public profile featured his full name.

In the profile picture from Platner’s Kik account viewed by the Daily Mail, he was wearing only a towel while taking a bare chested photo in the bathroom

However, Platner’s Totenkopf ink, which is widely recognized as a Nazi symbol, was obscured by his hand. He has since covered up the tattoo. 

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In Pennsylvania, a notable incident has unfolded in the city of Easton, where the mayor has addressed the unexpected departure of a police officer from the local force. This officer resigned to participate in the reality TV sensation, “Love Island USA,” leaving the police department both short-staffed and financially impacted.

The popular series “Love Island USA” has announced its lineup for the eagerly anticipated eighth season, which features “12 new sexy singles” living together in a secluded villa throughout the summer. Among the new cast members is Sean Reifel, who hails from Easton and joined the Bethlehem Police Department just last year.

In a promotional trailer for the show, Reifel introduced himself by saying, “I’m not a model, not an actor; I’m a police officer actually. You could be having the worst day of your life, and I’ll just help you sift through that.”

However, Reifel’s stint with the police force has come to an end as of this month. According to a captain from the department, he no longer holds his position. Easton’s mayor, J. William Reynolds, confirmed Reifel’s resignation and expressed discontent over the situation.

Mayor Reynolds highlighted the city’s investment in Reifel, noting, “Our police department spent a lot of time training and we paid thousands of taxpayer dollars to send him to the police academy. We are disappointed he left as we now have another vacancy in our department that is impossible to fill until next year.”

He added, “I never thought I’d see the day in America where reality show participation wins out over being a police officer.”

Reynolds swore in Reifel as an officer on August 18 last year, according to a post by the police department. The two appeared together, smiling and shaking hands in photos.

A message to Reifel’s Instagram account bounced back with a notice that he doesn’t allow new message requests, and a call to a public relations firm representing ITV America, which produces “Love Island,” went to voicemail.

The show is filmed in real time, so Reifel’s likely in the villa ahead of its June 2 premiere.

A woman from Pennsylvania is now one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, accused of fabricating terminal brain cancer to swindle friends, family, and supporters out of thousands of dollars. Instead of using the donations for her alleged medical needs, authorities claim she used them to fund lavish trips and vacations in Australia.

The FBI announced on May 23 that Vanessa O’Rourke remains at large, having evaded capture since her indictment in 2018 for the alleged fraud scheme.

Investigators assert that O’Rourke, now 37, spent significant time persuading her loved ones that she was suffering from glioblastoma, a severe and often deadly form of brain cancer. She claimed she urgently needed financial assistance for treatment, living costs, and experimental care abroad.

O’Rourke reportedly informed her supporters that conventional treatments had failed her and that an experimental procedure in Australia was her only hope for survival, according to the FBI.

WELLNESS INFLUENCER EXPOSED FOR FAKING CANCER DODGES AUTHORITIES A DECADE LATER: DOCUMENTARY

Investigators say Vanessa O’Rourke falsely claimed she needed experimental treatment in Australia for terminal brain cancer. (FBI)

Friends and family members reportedly rallied around her, donating money and organizing fundraisers to help what they believed was a young woman battling a terminal illness. But authorities say the cancer diagnosis was entirely fabricated.

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Investigators allege that between October 2015 and July 2016, O’Rourke used false claims about her health to obtain financial support from people close to her. Prosecutors say supporters provided money directly to O’Rourke and also helped organize fundraising efforts to cover what they believed were mounting medical costs.

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In April 2016, O’Rourke traveled to Australia, allegedly telling loved ones she was receiving experimental treatment unavailable in the United States. Instead, according to federal authorities, she spent the trip engaging in sightseeing and recreational activities and received no medical treatment whatsoever.

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After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.

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Authorities say a donation webpage was launched online and a fundraising benefit was held at a Pennsylvania restaurant, where supporters gathered to raise money for what they believed was O’Rourke’s ongoing cancer battle.

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Federal prosecutors allege the money raised during those efforts was later used to fund another trip to Australia in 2016, where O’Rourke again allegedly participated in leisure activities instead of receiving treatment for the illness investigators say never existed.

Federal authorities indicted Vanessa O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018. (FBI)

The alleged scheme eventually drew the attention of federal investigators.

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On May 3, 2018, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud. A federal warrant was issued for her arrest, and she remains wanted by the FBI.

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O’Rourke’s case is one of several high-profile “fake cancer” scams that have shocked communities in recent years, as fraudsters allegedly exploited sympathy, online fundraising platforms and emotional support networks for financial gain.

Prosecutors allege O’Rourke used false claims of terminal brain cancer to obtain money from friends and supporters. (FBI)

In recent years, several women across the United States and abroad have been accused or convicted of fabricating terminal illnesses while collecting money through fundraisers, crowdfunding pages and community events.

One of the most notorious cases involved California woman Amanda Riley, the subject of the hit “Scamanda” podcast and ABC docuseries, who admitted to faking cancer for years while receiving more than $100,000 in donations from supporters.

Like those cases, prosecutors allege O’Rourke’s scheme relied heavily on the trust and compassion of the people closest to her — friends, relatives and supporters who believed they were helping save someone’s life.

Authorities and fraud experts have warned that emotionally charged medical scams can be especially effective because they often target tight-knit communities eager to rally around someone they believe is fighting for survival.

The FBI is asking anyone with information about O’Rourke’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.

The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a new era with Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback who was the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, who clinched the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship, is expected to take charge of the team’s offense in the near future.

The pressing question remains: will Mendoza step into the starting role in Week 1, by Week 8, or will his debut be postponed until next season?

In the interim, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins serves as a seasoned backup option. The team may rely on Cousins if they decide Mendoza requires more time to hone his skills.

Should Cousins return to his pre-injury form from 2023, he could provide the Raiders with a consistent advantage at the quarterback position throughout the season.

However, Cousins’ recent performance in Atlanta raises concerns, and Mendoza’s inevitable learning curve could present challenges. As a result, the Raiders might face some obstacles at the quarterback position during the 2026 season.

We rank the quarterbacks they face this season and who has the edge:

1. Matthew Stafford, Rams, Week 7

Stafford is coming off an MVP season and is showing no signs of let-up. After agreeing to a new contract extension with the Rams, he figures to be a problem for the rest of the league for at least two more seasons.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s well protected, operates in an offensive system overseen by Sean McVay, throws to one of the NFL’s best wide receivers and a slew of effective tight ends. Oh, and the Rams can run the ball effectively, too.

Edge: Rams

2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, Week 4 and 18

It will be interesting to see where Mahomes is in Week 4 compared with Week 18. He’s coming off a serious late-season knee injury, which could hamper him earlier in the season.

The Chiefs will be prudent with him early on, but as long as he’s on the field, he remains one of the best quarterbacks in the game. If he’s completely healthy and the Chiefs sew up some weaknesses offensively, it won’t be long before he is at the top of the list of NFL quarterbacks.

Edge: Chiefs

3. Josh Allen, Bills, Week 6

It’s still hard to believe Allen coughed up a career-high four turnovers in the Bills’ loss to the Broncos in the playoffs. The early postseason exit led to the firing of coach Sean McDermott, who was replaced by offensive-minded coach Joe Brady.

The Brady-Allen tandem could be interesting, as Brady likely has some things under his sleeve to help maximize Allen. And you have to figure Allen will be highly motivated to redeem himself after the disastrous end to last season.

Edge: Bills

4. Justin Herbert, Chargers, Weeks 2 and 14

Like Allen, the ultra-talented Herbert is now working under a highly regarded new offensive coach. In Herbert’s case, it’s former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and McDaniel is indicating he has a few ideas on how to make Herbert an even more efficient quarterback.

Herbert has done just about everything in his career other than win a playoff game. It’s almost unfathomable to even think that, given how he’s a top-five talent, but it’s true.

Edge: Chargers

5. Brock Purdy, 49ers, Week 9

Make all the arguments you want about Purdy simply being the product of Kyle Shanahan’s system. But do so at your own peril. Shanahan isn’t a magician, and a handful of other QBs he’s coached never came close to reaching Purdy’s level.

When he’s healthy, he delivers high-end production within the structure of the offense, and the 49ers win games. A ton of them. And they’ve been in the Super Bowl hunt when he’s under center.

Edge: 49ers

6. Sam Darnold, Seahawks, Week 10

At some point, there has to be a movie made about Darnold’s career turnaround, right? Kicked to the curb by two (at the time, clueless) teams and assumed by everyone to be one of the biggest busts ever, Darnold has completely remade himself not only as a solid quarterback but also a Super Bowl champion who many now believe has an even higher ceiling to climb to.

Edge: Seahawks

7. Drake Maye, Patriots, Week 5

After putting up MVP-caliber numbers in the regular season, Maye stalled in the playoffs. Albeit during a Super Bowl run by the Patriots.

We can read a lot or a little into his mediocre performances in the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl, but clearly he has some work to do.

And that’s how it should be for a quarterback with just two seasons of NFL service time.

It will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

Edge: Patriots

8. Bo Nix, Broncos, Weeks 11 and 15  

With Davis Webb now taking over the offensive playcalling from Sean Payton — or so it seems — the handcuffs could come off the game plans that seemed to overly protect Nix.

One has to wonder what Payton’s been so afraid of in how he’s carefully handled Nix.

Maybe we’re about to find out.

Edge: Broncos

9. Cam Ward, Titans, Week 16

Ward has all the tools to be successful, but it was hard to get a read on the top pick in the 2025 draft for various reasons involving coaching, a bad supporting cast and the perception it could take a while before he makes the transition to the NFL.

Some projection is needed, so he gets this spot based on potential.

We won’t be surprised if he climbs up the list or falls further down by Week 16, though.

Edge: Push

10. Tyler Shough, Saints, Week 3

Shough played reasonably well during his 11-game rookie stint last year. The key now is to keep improving while also adjusting to the inevitable adjustments the NFL will make in defending him.

The rest of the league now has plenty of film on him, and he needs to brace for that reality.

We’re going to assume Cousins is the Raiders’ quarterback in Week 3, but if it’s Mendoza, it means the Raiders are convinced the rookie is ready to roll. If that is the case, he could be in for a big rookie season.

Edge: Raiders

11. Geno Smith, Jets, Week 8

It’s still shocking to remember how quickly it went badly for Smith in his one season in Las Vegas. Not all of it was his fault, of course. But he was downright bad; there is no getting around that.

The Jets were desperate for a quarterback, so they brought him back to New York. It’s the epitome of a stop-gap situation. The Jets will be back looking for a new quarterback in the 2027 draft.

Edge: Raiders

12. Malik Willis, Dolphins, Week 1

Willis is interesting because his limited playing time the last two years in Green Bay was pretty convincing. He connected on 78.7% of his passes with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

But then again, he only attempted 89 passes. Talk about a small sample size. Now he takes his talents to South Beach, where he won’t have nearly the help he had with the Packers.

He’s a fascinating player to watch, to be sure.

Edge: Raiders

13. Shedeur Sanders, Browns, Week 12

Listing Sanders here feels like a placeholder. When it comes to the Browns, who really knows who will be lining up under center by this point in the season.

It could be Deshaun Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel or rookie Taylen Green for all we know.

The common theme: Does anyone argue the Browns won’t draft another quarterback, if given a high draft pick next year?

Edge: Raiders

14. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals, Week 17  

Another team with another placeholder at quarterback. Take your choice here. Is it Brissett, who’s been giving the Cardinals the cold shoulder this offseason? Or Gardner Webb? Carson Beck, anyone?

Anyway, you get the point.

Edge: Raiders