There are no immediate plans to tighten security at Primrose Hill at New Year’s Eve next year after a teenager was stabbed to death.
Harry Pitman, 16, joined friends to watch fireworks from a viewpoint in the north London park on New Year’s Eve, but was stabbed to death shortly before the midnight countdown.
The Metropolitan Police said nearly 10,000 people gathered at the park attendance that night and Royal Parks Police said that it had 15 officers at the site, while Camden police had another 30 in the area.
However the force and the Royal Parks – which manages Primrose Hill – have jointly called the incident isolated.
The Royal Parks was asked by the Ham&High whether it felt extra measures were needed or if there should be tighter plans in restricting large crowds for future New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Instead the paper was sent a joint statement, which said: “While there is no police intelligence to suggest the park is likely to see a repeat of what happened, and significant arrests have been made, we do understand how distressing this situation is for local residents and visitors.”
The statement said that the Met and Royal parks want to “reassure” the community and park visitors that the “safety of everyone who visits the park is paramount”.
It did not address whether precautions will be taken at the end of 2024, but said: “There is currently a heightened police presence and additional patrols in and around the park, and if you have any information relating to the incident, please call the investigation team on 020 8785 8099.
“You can also share information online here or speak to the local police officers who will be on enhanced patrols in the area over the coming days.
“We are all deeply saddened by this senseless murder, and The Royal Parks and the police are committed to working closely together to ensure ongoing safety.”
While there has been no suggestion that revised restrictions will be in place for the next New Year’s celebration, it has not been entirely ruled out that the topic may be revisited later in the year.
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