Boy, 16, arrested over murder of teenager before new year’s fireworks released under investigation

Harry Pitman was stabbed minutes before New Year’s Day

Harry Pitman was killed as crowds gathered to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks from the northwest London viewing platform (PA Media)

A 16-year-old boy has been released under investigation after a teenager was stabbed to death as he prepared to watch fireworks with friends on New Year’s Eve.

Harry Pitman, 16, was fatally wounded on the popular Primrose Hill – where crowds gather each year to watch the fireworks across central London – at 11.40pm.

Police launched a murder investigation and arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He was released under investigation on Tuesday.

Harry was seen by witnesses to collapse minutes before the countdown to the new year and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It came as his heartbroken sister paid tribute to her “mischievous and cheeky” brother.

Forensics on Primrose Hill (PA)

Harry was a middle child of five and his sister Tyla, 19, has said her little brother’s death “doesn’t feel real” as her family struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss.

“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,” she told Mail Online.

Tayla continued: “Harry could be mischievous and cheeky and he could really wind me up at times. But he didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He always stood up for what is right.

“That sometimes meant Harry got into fights but he would never use a knife, he wouldn’t dream of ever carrying any weapon. He wasn’t involved with any gangs whatsoever.”

The Metropolitan Police said on Monday that they believe Harry was with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the new year.

One witness told The Independent: “Things happened so quickly, it was all over in five minutes or less. It was horrible. I just saw someone five metres away fall on the floor.

“People around him started screaming and running away. We were next to the police, they rushed to his side and told everyone to stay away.”

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, who is leading the investigation, said that the force is looking to speak to more witnesses present at the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Primrose Hill was very busy at the time and I believe there are people who witnessed the incident who have not yet spoken to police,” he said.

“It is vital that we build a clear picture of the moments leading up to, and immediately after, Harry’s murder and I need anyone with information about the altercation, or the attack, to contact us immediately.”

If you saw what happened or have information, mobile phone footage or other material that can help, please call 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 6649/31 Dec

To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers