Harry Pitman: Boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of murder after teen, 16, stabbed to death at New Year’s display
POLICE have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after a teen was stabbed to death on New Years’ Eve.
Harry Pitman, 16, was given CPR for ten minutes among crowds who had gathered on parkland to watch London’s 2024 fireworks display.
But the 6ft 3in schoolboy could not be saved on Primrose Hill, North London.
The schoolboy had been waiting with pals to watch the fireworks when he was stabbed at 11.40pm on New Year’s Eve.
Police said he was involved in an altercation with “devastating consequences”.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder – but was released on bail pending further enquiries.
Now cops have revealed they have today arrested a 15-year-old on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of affray.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, who leads the investigation, said: “Harry had been with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the New Year and watch the firework display. It was there that Harry became involved in an altercation that would have devastating consequences.
“We are aware of speculation, especially on social media, that the attack may have been racially motivated and I can confirm that there is no indication of a racial motive.
“Despite having made three arrests, I am still very keen to hear from anyone who has footage or information that could assist our investigation.
“Similarly, I would like to thank everyone who has come forward so far – the help that you have given makes a difference.”
It comes after Harry’s grandad has described him as a “cheeky chappy” with “bright ginger hair he wore like a badge of honour”.
Speaking outside his home in Tottenham, Philip Woolveridge, 59, said: “I can’t express how devastated we are as a family.
“Moving forward is going to be a slow process. I just cannot believe he’s no longer here. I’m angry. I’m very angry.
It comes as…
- Harry Pitman ‘could have been targeted for being tall’, family says
- A teen, 16, has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of murder
- Harry’s mum ‘can’t bring herself to take dinner out of the oven’ as it sits waiting for him
- The schoolboy’s sister tearfully paid tribute to her ‘baby brother’
“He is one of the biggest members of the family – being tall can make you a target. He had bright ginger hair that he grew into and he wore it well – like a badge of honour.
“He was really funny. Growing up, we looked after the children for a while and he was like Velcro to me. He was a lovely child. He was a fun-loving child, always laughing and joking.
“Every New Year’s Eve is going to be a reminder of this now.”
A huge crowd had gathered on the 200ft- high vantage point — north of Regent’s Park — which overlooks the London Eye.
Harry was the 22nd teenager to be murdered in the capital in 2023.