03 January 2024 , 21:26
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A boy aged 15 has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 16-year-old Harry Pitman on New Year’s Eve.
Harry was stabbed to death at 11.40pm on Sunday while waiting with friends to watch a fireworks display. The 15-year-old was arrested on Tuesday along with an 18-year-old man suspected of affray and they remain in custody, police said.
It came as Harry’s devastated family yesterday insisted he was an “innocent hero”. Sister Tayla, 19, decided to “set the record straight” after false rumours on social media that he was involved with gangs. Harry’s grandad Philip Woolveridge, 59, reiterated her message to the Mirror.
He said: “He was not gang affiliated – he was just a well-liked person who could handle himself. But we still don’t know the circumstances other than his life was taken away from him.”
Phillip Woolveridge (ITV)Tayla said in a TikTok video Harry “was not in any way shape or form involved with any gangs”. She said: “He’s never been in trouble with the police and people are making out like Harry died because he did something wrong, when my brother’s the victim here. I’m sick of this narrative that’s being portrayed. Harry was a good boy who didn’t do any wrong. We’re already grieving. Our baby boy was an innocent victim. Harry had a heart of gold. Don’t let people make out Harry was a villain. He was a hero.”
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
Tayla spoke out after a vigil for Harry attended by his mother Amanda Woolveridge, 37, and brother Patrick, 18, on Tuesday.
Tribute flowers on Primrose Hill (PA)Philip said police had spoken to the friends who were with Harry, of Haringey, North London, on nearby Primrose Hill on Sunday. He suspects neither they nor Harry knew his killer.
The Metropolitan Police said there was no indication the attack was gang-related. Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said: “Harry became involved in an altercation that would have devastating consequences.”
On Sunday, a boy of 16 was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and later released on bail pending further inquiries.