Harry Pitman’s family ask for his favourite football club to chant his name at next match
The family of a teenager who was stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve has asked fans of his favourite football team to chant his name in tribute.
Harry Pitman, 16, was killed minutes before the New Year fireworks began in London close to the viewing platform in Primrose Hill.
A vigil was held for the ‘cheeky’ boy, who ‘always stood up for what was right’ near his home in Tottenham, after his siblings paid tribute to him.
Now Harry’s family has asked Tottenham Hotspur fans – his favourite football team – to pay tribute to him during Friday’s match against Burnley.
Paying tribute to her younger brother on TikTok, elder sister Tayla, 19, said: ‘I love you H, more than you could ever imagine, I just want you to come home.
‘I’m so sorry my sweet boy, I love you to the moon and back.’
She shared a slideshow of pictures taken with Harry and their other siblings and friends throughout their childhood with Christina Perry’s cover of You Are My Sunshine playing in the background.
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His grandfather Derek, 71, said he feared that Harry’s height at 6ft3in made him ‘a target’.
Describing the moment he found out about his grandson’s death, he said: ‘We got a text from Harry’s dad saying Happy New Year and then about half past 12 he rang us again.
‘He was just saying ”no, no, no it can’t be true” over and over and then he said Harry’s been stabbed. He’s dead.’
It comes as London’s Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman said residents close to Primrose Hill had warned authorities repeatedly that tragedy could occur at the park, due to rising violence and antisocial behaviour.
In response Royal Parks, who run the New Year’s Eve event, said: ”The tragic stabbing of Harry Pitman on New Year’s Eve is being investigated by the police.
‘The park remains closed during these investigations. Our thoughts are with Harry’s family and friends.
‘Primrose Hill has been open to the public for many years, and we work closely with the police to nsure that it is safely enjoyed by visitors.
‘On New Year’s Eve, the park was open until 1am for visitors to enjoy the celebrations, supported by a police presence, and The Royal Parks supplied stewards and tower lights.’
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He’s since been released on bail pending further investigation.
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