A senseless act of violence marred the New Year’s Eve festivities as 16-year-old Harry Pitman was brutally stabbed to death in front of thousands of witnesses during the Primrose Hill fireworks display. Harry’s grieving family is left shattered, struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of their beloved son and brother.
Metropolitan Police officers have launched an investigation into the shocking murder, which unfolded just moments before the stroke of midnight on Primrose Hill in Camden. A fellow 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.
Harry, the second eldest of six siblings, was described as a young man with a bright future ahead, his life was tragically cut short in a horrific act of violence that left his family heartbroken. His older sister, Tayla, 19, and older brother, Patrick, fondly remembered Harry as “mischievous and cheeky” but stressed that he “did not have a bad bone in his body” and always stood up for what was right.
Speaking from their home in Tottenham, Tayla, holding back tears, shared the family’s anguish, “It doesn’t seem real; I keep on expecting him to come through the front door. His dinner is still in the oven, Mum can’t bring herself to remove it. He was the middle child of five. He has a younger four-year-old brother and a five-year-old sister. We haven’t told them what’s happened yet; we don’t know how to. Harry was my baby brother; he was the most handsome boy you could ever meet. I remember holding him in my arms for the first time when I was barely three years old. Now he won’t ever get to grow up.”
Harry’s older brother, Patrick, 18, cherished their close bond, “I knew Harry better than anyone. We shared a bedroom for the best part of 16 years. I moved out of home last year, and Harry came to stay with me for a while. He stayed with me two nights ago. We played video games and talked about getting older. He won’t grow older now; someone has taken his life away. My most cherished memory is both of us running onto the pitch after a celebrity charity football match at the London Stadium a few years ago. He was football crazy, born and bred in Tottenham, so was a massive Spurs fan.
Harry’s mother, Amanda Woolveridge, 37, and father, Neil Pitman, 39, are too devastated to comment on the tragic loss of their son.
Harry Pitman attended Wilbury Primary School in Edmonton and St Thomas More Secondary School in Wood Green. He was a devoted Catholic, having received his confirmation at St John Vianney in Harringay church last Easter. His aspirations included joining the army and ultimately the SAS, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, George Davis, who was a sergeant major in World War II.
Tayla added, “Harry wanted to follow in his footsteps and join the Army. He wanted to be on the frontline.”
The devastating incident unfolded during one of London’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations. Primrose Hill, known for its stunning views of the London Eye’s fireworks display, drew thousands of spectators that fateful night.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, leading the investigation, stated, “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.”
Grogan appealed to potential witnesses, “We know Harry was with friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the New Year. Here, we believe Harry became involved in an altercation with devastating consequences. Primrose Hill was very busy at the time, and I believe some people witnessed the incident who have not yet spoken to police.”
As the investigation continues, Primrose Hill remains cordoned off, and forensic teams diligently examine the scene and its surroundings. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the altercation or the attack to come forward by calling 101.
Harry Pitman’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address violence among young people in London and across the nation.
More news from Harringay
