HENRY Nowak’s killer Vickrum Digwa still had a knife on him even after being arrested and taken to a police station.
The kirpan, a Sikh ceremonial dagger worn around the neck, was taken from Digwa, 23, only when he was searched before being put into a cell.
Digwa was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 21 years, for murdering 18-year-old student Henry in Southampton in DecemberCredit: PA
It means the “weapons-obsessed” killer was still armed after he was finally arrested for murdering Henry, who he stabbed five times with a separate eight-inch long knife.
The murder weapon was removed from the scene by a family member.
A source said: “Either the arresting officers knew he had the kirpan on and let him keep it on after his arrest, or they missed it and it was only picked up when he was searched at the police station.
“Either way, it is a massive blunder and could have been dangerous.”
It has also been claimed that Digwa was not handcuffed when initially arrested for attempted murder.
Last week he was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 21 years, for murdering 18-year-old student Henry in Southampton in December.
Sources say he is “cowering” in his cell in Winchester Prison amid fears he could be attacked.
Our source said: “Digwa is spending most of his time in his cell, cowering away from others.
The ‘weapons-obsessed’ killer was still armed after he was finally arrested for murdering Henry, who he stabbed five times with a separate eight-inch long knifeCredit: PA
Footie fan Henry watches Arsenal at the team’s groundCredit: Supplied by family
“He knows he is a massive target and it will only get worse.
“There are not many Sikhs in jail in the UK and most of the inmates at Winchester are white.
“Because of the nature of his crime, and the fact he has been on the news so much, that puts him at risk.
“And it will get even worse for him as he’s likely to be moved somewhere like Belmarsh, where he will also be a target for Muslim cons.
Henry with a burger and ketchup on his faceCredit: Supplied by family
Henry aged nine months with devoted sister OliviaCredit: Supplied by family
“Staff are having to keep a very close eye on him – and have also been warned of his obsession with knives.”
Notes on his records warn staff of a “knife found during custody search”.
Hampshire Police confirmed Digwa’s kirpan was taken from him at the custody desk.
