Teenager pleads not guilty to New Year’s Eve fireworks murder

Harry Pitman had been with friends near a viewing platform in Primrose Hill Park, north London, when he was allegedly attacked with a hunting knife.

Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed in Primrose Hill Park in north London on New Year’s Eve (Family handout/Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Media)

A teenager has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 16-year-old boy, who was stabbed in north London as he waited to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Harry Pitman had been with friends near a viewing platform in Primrose Hill Park when he was allegedly attacked with a hunting knife at about 11.40pm.

Nearby police officers gave him first aid before paramedics arrived but he died at the scene shortly before midnight.

The incident happened within metres of the emergency services present at the event.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon, a knife, in Primrose Hill Park.

On Tuesday, he appeared at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing before Mr Justice Cavanagh.

Speaking quietly, the defendant confirmed his identity and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

In the courtroom, a member of the victim’s family became emotional and cried out as the teenager denied murder, before apologising for the outburst.

The defendant was not in the dock, having attended court via video-link.

He faces a trial from September 2, which is expected to take up to six weeks.