Downing Street has criticised attempts to use the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak to deepen political divisions after US Vice-President JD Vance linked the killing to immigration in a post on X.

Vance described the murder as both tragic and enraging, arguing that Nowak would still be alive if European leaders had resisted what he called the 'mass invasion of migrants'.However, British authorities noted that the convicted killer, Vickrum Digwa, was born in the UK.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Nowak family did not want Henry's death to be used to create further division and stressed that politics should unite people, even in difficult circumstances.

The case has become a major political issue following the release of police bodycam footage showing officers handcuffing Nowak while he was fatally injured after Digwa falsely claimed to be the victim of a racist attack.The footage triggered violent protests in Southampton, during which several police officers and a police dog were injured.Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.The controversy has fuelled broader debates about policing, race, knife crime and public trust.

Senior UK politicians, including Starmer, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, have all commented on the case.The dispute has also reignited arguments over alleged 'two-tier policing', a claim rejected by police leaders.

Downing Street's rapid response to Vance's remarks reflects concerns that international political figures and domestic actors may further inflame tensions surrounding an already highly sensitive case.