A 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed on New Year’s Eve at a popular London firework spot has been named by police as Harry Pitman.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Primrose Hill in Camden at 11.40pm, where the teenager was pronounced dead shortly before midnight despite attempts at first aid.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at a north London police station, the force said.
Primrose Hill was cordoned off on Monday morning as dozens of police patrolled the area and turned away families hoping to walk their dogs through the park.
Forensics teams arrived later in the day and a forensics tent could be seen at the crest of the park, while rubbish from Sunday night’s festivities littered the hillside.
The spot is among the most popular in the capital for those hoping to watch the London Eye fireworks, and one local woman told the PA news agency there were “hundreds if not thousands” of people there at the time of the attack.
She said it was “absolutely tragic and shocking” that a teenager could be killed on her doorstep, adding: “It’s not just a young people’s party – there would have been families with young children there, too.”
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said Harry was with a group of friends near the Primrose Hill viewing platform when he became involved in an “altercation with devastating consequences”.
He said the area was very busy at the time and he urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward immediately.
Mr Grogan added: “My thoughts and sympathies are with Harry’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“He was a young man with the rest of his life ahead of him.
“His family are understandably devastated and specially trained officers are supporting them as they come to terms with their loss.
“A dedicated team of detectives are working hard to establish the events that led to such a senseless act of violence.”
Several locals said they saw police searching revellers before they were allowed to leave the park on Sunday night, forming queues which took a long time to clear.
One man, who wished not to be named, described the incident as “tragic but inevitable”, claiming that the park had become a “party hotspot” with drugs and alcohol since the pandemic.
Benedict Yorston, a physics and philosophy student, said he was at the scene when paramedics rushed to save Harry’s life.
He told PA: “There were some officers holding a space on top of the hill which seemed strange, then we realised CPR was going on.
“In pretty rapid time around two dozen more police arrived, put up a cordon, and ambulances then came through the crowd up to the top of the hill too.
“The police – and then medical crew – were doing constant CPR for at least 10 minutes and likely longer before we arrived, but sadly to no avail.
“(It must be) absolutely horrible for his family.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
