A teenager who was allegedly murdered on New Year’s Eve was attacked because of his race, his family have claimed.
Harry Pitman, 16, died just before midnight after being stabbed in the neck while watching fireworks with friends at Primrose Hill, London.
His sister Tayla, 19, denied he was involved with gangs, and said it was “obvious” why he was targeted.
“Harry died because he was a ginger white boy,” Tayla told The Times.
“The police have not told us why he was attacked but it is obvious why he was targeted within five minutes. He is a big white boy.”
Police said there was no evidence that Harry, who was 6’3″ and aspired to join the SAS like his war hero great-grandfather, was the victim of a racial attack.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of affray.
Another 16-year-old boy, initially detained on suspicion of murder, has been released on bail.
Harry, from Tottenham in north London, was with friends celebrating New Year’s Eve at a popular park in a wealthy part of the British capital when he was stabbed, according to police.
Police said he was stabbed at 11.40pm, and was given first aid by emergency services but died at the scene.
“We know Harry was with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the New Year. It is here where we believe Harry became involved in an altercation with devastating consequences,” Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan, who is leading the investigation said.
Harry was the last of 21 teenagers who died violently in London in 2023, and among the three who were white.
Tayla Pitman also stressed that Harry was not involved in gangs, and described him as an “innocent victim” and a “hero”.
“Harry was not in any way shape or form involved with any gangs or anyone who could cause trouble,” she said in a TikTok video.
