Geoff Bell has criticised the UK Government and police in an emotional social media video after the killing of Southampton student Henry Nowak triggered protests and a heated national discussion.
The actor, best known for his role in the crime drama Mobland, said he felt “ashamed” of Britain’s leaders.
In a video posted on Instagram, Bell said he had spent the day following developments in the case before deciding to speak publicly.
The case has drawn huge attention after police apologised over their handling of the 18-year-old finance student, who was handcuffed shortly before he died after being stabbed five times by Vickrum Digwa, who attacked him with a Sikh ceremonial blade.
“No one believes the government. The country is angry,” Bell said.
“Something has to change. People don’t feel safe on the streets. They don’t feel safe on buses, on the Tube, on trains, or even in a f****** Uber.
“Come on, something is seriously wrong with this country and with the people running it.”
Bell also spoke about the reaction he had seen online, comparing it to the public response to other major incidents in recent years.
“It breaks my heart to see what’s been happening on social media today,” he said.
“When that tragedy happened in America during the pandemic, everybody took a knee. Governments did it, footballers did it, everyone did.
“Let’s see what they do for this young lad. It’s not right if ordinary people don’t feel safe.”
The actor became increasingly emotional as he continued.
“Young people, old people, mums and dads, children walking home from school or through a park… it absolutely breaks my heart.
“This land, this land of hope and glory. I’m ashamed of our f****** governments. The police should be ashamed too.”
Bell’s comments came after Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for murdering Mr Nowak.
The video quickly gained thousands of views and sparked a wave of reactions online.
One supporter wrote: “Thank you for speaking out. Absolute gentleman.”
Another commented: “We are not safe, and we’re not getting what we pay our taxes for.”
A third added: “Thank you, Geoff. We need more people willing to use their voice.”
Southampton Crown Court heard that Mr Nowak was stabbed with a 21cm Sikh ceremonial blade, known as a kirpan, while walking home after a night out in December last year.
Digwa was also found guilty of carrying a knife in public, while his mother, Kirun Kaur, was convicted of helping an offender after removing the weapon from the scene.
More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station this week demanding accountability, with some calling for the officers involved to lose their jobs.
Hampshire Police have confirmed that one officer directly connected to the incident has resigned, while three others involved remain in service.
