Harry Pitman ‘could have been targeted for being tall’, family says after 6ft 3in teen ‘murdered’ at NY display
THE GRIEVING grandad of a teen who was stabbed to death on New Years’ Eve says he may have been “targeted for being tall”.
Harry Pitman, 16, died on Primrose Hill in North London while tens of thousands of revellers were preparing to cheer in the New Year.
He was given CPR for ten minutes among crowds who had gathered on parkland to watch London’s 2024 fireworks display - but the 6ft 3in schoolboy could not be saved.
Harry's grandad has described him as a "cheeky chappy" with "bright ginger hair he wore like a badge of honour".
Speaking outside his home in Tottenham this morning, Philip Woolveridge, 59, said: "I can't express how devastated we are as a family.
“Moving forward is going to be a slow process. I just cannot believe he's no longer here. I'm angry. I'm very angry.
MORE ON CRIME
"We have got to rally around my daughter [Harry's mum]. We are worried about her.
"Harry was a cheeky chappy, he would turn anything into a joke. He wouldn't intentionally go out of his way to harm anyone, he would protect his mates.
"He is one of the biggest members of the family - being tall can make you a target. He had bright ginger hair that he grew into and he wore it well - like a badge of honour.
“He was really funny. Growing up, we looked after the children for a while and he was like Velcro to me. He was a lovely child. He was a fun-loving child, always laughing and joking.
Most read in The Sun
"Every New Year's Eve is going to be a reminder of this now."
The schoolboy had been waiting with pals to watch the fireworks when he was stabbed at 11.40pm on New Year’s Eve.
Police said he was involved in an altercation of "senseless violence" with “devastating consequences”.
A 16-year-old boy arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
It comes after Harry’s devastated siblings told of the family’s heartbreak.
His sister Tayla, 19, said his mother Amanda Woolveridge, 37, was so upset she could not remove from her oven the dinner she made Harry on the night he died.
Tayla, of Tottenham, North London, added: “It doesn’t seem real, I keep on expecting him to come through the front door.
"His dinner is still in the oven, Mum can’t bring herself to remove it.
“He was the middle child of five. He has a four-year-old brother and a five-year-old sister. We haven’t told them what’s happened yet, we don’t know how to.
“Harry was my baby brother, he was the most handsome boy you could ever meet.
"Harry could be mischievous and cheeky and he could really wind me up at times. But he didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He always stood up for what is right.”
Harry’s brother Patrick, 18, said his younger sibling was a huge Spurs fan.
A huge crowd had gathered on the 200ft- high vantage point — north of Regent’s Park — which overlooks the London Eye.
Harry was the 22nd teenager to be murdered in the capital in 2023.
The headteacher of Harry’s former school in Wood Green said the former pupil was a “bright and promising young soul.”
In a statement posted to the school's website Alex Rosen, headmaster of St Thomas More School, said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the tragic passing of our beloved former pupil, Harry Pitman. Our entire school community mourns the loss of a bright and promising young soul.
“Harry touched the lives of many with his infectious laughter and enthusiasm for life. He will be remembered for his many qualities, particularly his resilience and the positive impact he had on those around him.
"During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to Harry's family, friends, staff at our school and school friends. We will come together as a Catholic community to offer support and comfort to one another as we navigate this profound loss.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"When we return to school, we will be providing resources and counselling services to assist those who may need support during this challenging period. We encourage everyone to reach out to each other and share memories of Harry, celebrating the joy and warmth he brought into our lives.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry's family during this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace."
