The distraught family of 16-year-old Harry Pitman, who was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve at a popular London firework spot, have spoken of their heartbreak.
The youngster was attacked as he waited to watch the fireworks with friends near the Primrose Hill viewing platform in Camden after an “altercation”, said the Metropolitan Police.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at a north London police station.
Speaking on Monday evening, Harry’s older sister Tayla, 19, told MailOnline of her family’s heartbreak.
She said her brother could be “mischievous and cheeky” but he “didn’t have a bad bone in his body” and “always stood up for what was right”.
She said: “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.
“I’m devastated, he was my baby brother. He didn’t even get to see the fireworks, which is why he went to Primrose Hill in the first place.”
The 16-year-old had ambitions of joining the Army and following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served in the Second World War, MailOnline reported.
Harry’s older brother Patrick, 18, told the website his brother was a huge Tottenham Hotspur fan and had gone to Primrose Hill with seven of his friends.
He said: “We are all distraught, it just doesn’t seem real.”
The park was cordoned off on Monday morning as dozens of police patrolled the area. Forensics teams arrived later in the day.
The spot is among the most popular in the capital for those hoping to watch the London Eye fireworks. One local woman said there were “thousands” of people there at the time of the attack.
Det Ch Insp Geoff Grogan said Harry was with a group of friends when he became involved in an “altercation with devastating consequences”.
He described the attack as a “senseless act of violence” and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward immediately.
Mr Grogan added: “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.”
