Harry Pitman was stabbed to death with a hunting knife “within yards” of emergency service workers, a court has been told.

A 16-year-old boy appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday over the killing, which happened as Harry waited to watch fireworks in Primrose Hill park, north London, just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The youth, who cannot legally be named because of his age, was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murder and having an offensive weapon in public.

Sitting in the dock in a black Nike tracksuit flanked by three dock officers, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing, which lasted about half an hour.

Harry Pitman death
Police officers on Primrose Hill, where Harry died after being stabbed (PA)

He held his head down for much of the time and was tearful when the judge addressed him.

The murder happened during “some sort of altercation” as crowds gathered to watch the fireworks, the court was told.

Harry was stabbed with a “hunting-style” knife “within yards of members of the emergency services who were visibly present”, it also heard.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC remanded the accused into youth detention accommodation before he appears at the same court for a plea hearing on March 26.

People take part in a vigil in Downhills Park in the West Green area of Haringey, London, for Harry
People take part in a vigil in Downhills Park in the West Green area of Haringey, London, for Harry (PA)

A provisional trial has been set for September 2.

Harry was with friends near a viewing platform when he was stabbed at about 11.40pm, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said: “Officers provided first aid before paramedics arrived but, despite the efforts of emergency services, Harry sadly died at the scene shortly before midnight.”

A 17-year-old boy arrested on Thursday has been bailed.

No further action will be taken against three other boys held over the killing.