Throughout the month of February, we’re telling the story of the 21 teenagers who were murdered in 2023. Our campaign, The 21, seeks to remember every victim as a young person with a family and their whole life ahead of them. We want to change the culture of kids carrying knives and becoming involved in violence.
This is the face of Harry Pitman, a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve, 2023.
Name: Harry Pitman
Age: 16
From: Tottenham
Here is a timeline of events and everything we know so far about his death:
Sunday, December 31:
Harry Pitman died afer violence broke out on Primrose Hill at around 11.40pm on December 31.
It is believed he was with a group of friends near the viewing platform in the park, waiting to watch the London fireworks to celebrate the start of 2024.
The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken to a north London police station.
Monday, January 1:
The 16-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, who led the investigation said: "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.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are carrying out a forensic examination of the scene.
"We know Harry was with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the New Year.
“It is here where we believe Harry became involved in an altercation with devastating consequences.
"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.”
Tuesday, January 2:
Two days after the attack a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of affray.
They were released on bail pending further enquiries.
Dozens of people, including Harry’s mum, brother and sister, gathered at Downhills Park in Tottenham to pay their respects to the teenager.
Many carried flowers and balloons, some of which were released into the air after a round of applause.
A series of Tottenham Hotspur chants were also sung by attendees – Harry was described by his older brother, Patrick, as a huge Spurs fan.
Speaking outside the family home in Tottenham, the 18-year-old told the MailOnline: “We are all distraught, it just doesn’t seem real.”
His sister, 19-year-old Tayla, added: “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.”
Thursday, January 4:
Following a public appeal for information, two teenagers aged 16 and 17 were identified and arrested in connection with Harry's murder.
The 16-year-old was charged, while the 17-year-old was released on bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said: “This is a fast-paced investigation, and my team is working around the clock to identify those responsible.
“This is clearly a significant development, and we are keeping Harry’s family informed.
“Our enquiries so far have established that there was no racial or gang element to this incident, it appears to have been a spontaneous fight between two people who didn’t know each other, that quickly escalated to extreme violence.”
Saturday, January 6:
Detectives investigating the murder of Harry charged a 16-year-old boy.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Highbury Magistrates Court.
Three other boys originally arrested in connection with the incident had no further action taken against them.
Tuesday, January 9:
The 16-year-old charged with Harry’s murder appeared at the Old Bailey.
The teen did not enter pleas to charges of murder and having an offensive weapon in public.
Sitting in the dock in a black Nike tracksuit and flanked by three dock officers, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing, which lasted about half an hour.
He had his head down for much of the time and appeared tearful when the judge addressed him.
The court was told that Harry was stabbed with a “hunting-style” knife within yards of emergency services, who were reportedly “visibly present”.
Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC remanded him into youth detention accommodation before he appears at the same court for a plea hearing on March 26.
A provisional trial was set for September 2.
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