Teenager convicted of killing boy on New Year’s Eve

A man has been convicted of the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pittman, who was stabbed to death on Primrose Hill on New Year’s Eve.

Areece Lloyd-Hall, 18 (31.01.07) of Westminster was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey, today, Wednesday 29 October.

He was brought to justice after Metropolitan Police officers linked DNA found at the scene to Lloyd-Hall.

Harry was attacked and stabbed in the neck when he was celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends at around 23:40hrs on 31 December 2023.

Detective Inspector Daniel Catmull, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:

“Harry was only 16-years-old when he was stabbed. He had spent the evening with friends enjoying the fireworks before an altercation with a complete stranger led to him tragically losing his life.

“A new year is meant to offer new beginnings and fresh opportunities, but sadly, Harry’s family will now be marking this event by remembering how he was taken from them. Our thoughts today are with them and everyone who knew Harry.

“Once again, we have seen what carrying a knife can do. There is no excuse for anyone to leave home with a weapon, and the Met is doing everything it can to crack down on violence.

“On behalf of Harry’s family, we extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals who witnessed this horrific event but had the resilience to come forward and support the investigation.

“While justice has been served, the tragic loss of such a bright and promising young life, whose vibrant spirit touched so many, is a profound tragedy that will forever be felt by all who knew and loved.”

Detectives investigating his murder established that Lloyd-Hall had attended Primrose Hill with his friends, none of whom were known to Harry.

Shortly before the fatal attack, Harry and a member of the other group are believed to have accidentally bumped into each other. This resulted in an exchange of words and a fight before Harry was stabbed once in the neck.

Harry made his way towards officers who were policing the event and they immediately provided first aid before paramedics arrived.

Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, Harry died at the scene shortly before midnight.

Lloyd-Hall fled the park alone with the knife used in the attack, later meeting up again with his friends.

During a search of the scene, a sheath for a knife was found. Forensic analysis identified Arrece's DNA on it. The knife was never recovered.

Detectives obtained footage of the attack and the moments before the stabbing from eye witnesses.

Images were also released as part of a proactive media appeal to identify those involved.

Areece Lloyd-Hall voluntarily attended Hammersmith police station and was arrested on suspicion of murder 4, January 2024.

In interview he admitted being present but denied any involvement in the killing.

He was charged on Saturday, 6 January, 2024.

Areece Llyod-Hall will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 10 November.