Harry Pitman murder probe: Police name teenager stabbed to death in Primrose Hill watching London fireworks

A teenage boy who died in London while out celebrating the New Year has been named.

Harry Pitman was with a group of friends on Primrose Hill in North London last night. He died just minutes before the stroke of midnight and a 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, which released the picture and confirmed Harry's name, said many people were on Primrose Hill at the time and it is vital that any witnesses contact us immediately.

The area is a popular place from where to watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks. Neighbourhood group Primrose Hill Watch has estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people were gathered at the landmark park to watch the fireworks.

Benedict Smith told how he saw officers performing CPR and multiple ambulances racing up the hill as he arrived at Primrose Hill with a group of friends for the New Year celebrations just after the attack.

He said: "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 after we arrived 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 if before we arrived, but sadly, as the news has confirmed, to no avail. We weren’t present for the incident, but the constant CPR made it clear this was very serious, and unfortunately as it went on it became clear to us the medics were going to struggle to successfully resuscitate."

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, who is leading 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.”

Anyone with information about the killing can share it with police here or call the investigation team on 0208 785 8099.