A UNIVERSITY student has been stabbed to death while on his way home from a night out, with his family now paying a touching tribute.
Henry Nowak, 18, died after being stabbed in the chest and twice in the back of his leg following an “altercation” with two men.
Nowak died in Portswood, Southampton, on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Hampshire Police said two men, aged 22 and 26, are in custody arrested 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.
Mr Nowak’s family, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, said in a statement, issued through the police: “Our kind, intelligent, and talented son was in his first year at Southampton University studying accountancy and finance.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
A spokesperson for the police 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.
