Boy, 17, denies murdering teen who was stabbed to death with hunting knife at New Year’s Eve fireworks

A BOY has denied murdering a 16-year-old who was stabbed to death with a hunting knife as he watched the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Harry Pitman was with his pals in Primrose Hill, North London, when he was attacked "within yards" of police officers.

A 17-year-old boy, who can't legally be named, appeared at the Old Bailey today.

He pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

A provisional trial set to last six weeks was scheduled for September 2.

The court heard previously how the teen was allegedly armed with a "hunting-style knife" in a sheath.

He was part of a "large gathering on New Year’s Eve and some sort of altercation arose and the allegation is he stabbed Harry Pitman", it was said.

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward said the horror unfolded "within yards of emergency services including police officers" who had been attending the event.

Harry's grandad previously described Harry as a "cheeky chappy" with "bright ginger hair he wore like a badge of honour".

Speaking outside his home in Tottenham, 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. 

“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.

"Every New Year's Eve is going to be a reminder of this now."