A teenage boy arrested on suspicion of murdering youngster Harry Pitman on New Year’s Eve was yesterday released from police custody on bail.
Harry, 16, died after being stabbed following an alleged altercation as he joined a 30,000 crowd to watch London’s traditional firework display.
He was given CPR for 10 minutes by paramedics among New Year revellers, who allegedly continued partying around him.
But the 6ft 3in schoolboy could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight.
Yesterday, it was revealed he had hopes of joining the SAS.
A 16-year-old suspect who was arrested on New Year’s Day on suspicion of murder was yesterday bailed pending further investigation, the Met said.
Police said there was an altercation just before midnight and officers had to get through the huge crowds near the popular Primrose Hill vantage point in North London. The spot is close to the celebrity homes of Kate Moss and Jude Law.
A witness has now claimed that revellers carried on partying as Harry died. Writing on the London Crime Facebook Group, a woman called Maissa said: “The poor person was dying and people were celebrating. I am now in a state of shock from the ugliness of what I saw. Could not stay there or celebrate.”
Harry’s older sister Tayla, 19, said he dreamed of joining the Army. She said: “I hope whoever has done this knows they haven’t just taken a life, they’ve destroyed a whole family and community.”
Mother Amanda Woolveridge, 37, and father Neil Pitman, 39, are being comforted by relatives.
Police said a post-mortem examination will take place in the coming days.
Harry, from Haringey, North London, had attended St Thomas More School in Wood Green.
Late yesterday afternoon a large crowd of people gathered for a vigil at Downhills Park, near Harry’s family home.
Around 100 mourners attended, including Harry’s mother, brother and sister, many carrying balloons and flowers, whilst police officers patrolled the perimeter of the park.
Harry’s grandfather Phillip Pitman said Harry had his “whole life ahead of him”, and that he was “just finding his way”.
Mr Pitman described his grandson as a “lovely boy” who was good with people and said that he had just started his first job, adding: “This is just such a terrible loss.”
Harry’s school, St Thomas More Catholic School, described him as a “bright and promising young soul” who “touched lives with his infectious laughter and enthusiasm for life”.
London’s independent victims’ commissioner, Claire Waxman, described the death as “a senseless tragedy”.
She added: “I’m aware that a group of residents has raised concerns with the Royal Parks about a rise in violence and anti-social behaviour in the Primrose Hill area over the last couple of years.”
Dozens of people gathered at a vigil last night for Harry Pitman.
Around a hundred people – including Harry’s mother, brother, and sister – gathered at Downhills Park to pay their respect to the teenager, with many carrying flowers and balloons.
Following a round of applause, the balloons were released into the air by attendees at the vigil.
