University student, 18, stabbed to death on night out

 A university student was stabbed to death while on a night out in Southampton on Wednesday.

Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred in 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, Portswood. 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.

His family paid tribute to their “kind, intelligent and talented son”, a Southampton University student, who had been on a night out with his football team.

In a statement, they said: “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.”

Mr Nowak, who was in his first year at Southampton University, was studying accountancy and finance.

‘Our world will never be the same’

His family said: “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.

“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.

“Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures. 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.”

The Hampshire Constabulary spokesman 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. Our local neighbourhood policing team have also been carrying out additional patrols in the area since the incident occurred.”

Police have appealed for any information and CCTV or other footage from the Portswood and St Denys area between 10pm and 2am.