A 16-year-old boy has been remanded into custody charged with the murder of Harry Pitman in north London on New Year’s Eve.

Harry Pitman, who was also 16, had joined friends to watch fireworks before he was stabbed to death in Primrose Hill park, Camden, shortly before midnight.

The defendant, who is from Westminster and cannot be named because of his age, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, and to tell his visibly emotional parents that he loved them as he was escorted into custody.

He is also charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

Addressing the defendant’s parents who leaned towards their son behind a glass screen, District Judge Denis Brennan closed the hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court by saying: “I also appreciate the control you showed whilst in the court, please, with dignity, can you leave the courtroom.”

The defendant will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Police earlier said Harry was with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill when he was stabbed at around 11.40pm.

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

A 17-year-old male who was arrested on Thursday has been released on bail, and three other boys originally arrested in connection with the incident will have no further action taken against them.

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley – Emirates FA Cup – Third Round – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
A tribute to 16-year-old Harry Pitman was shown on screen during a match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday (Bradley Collyer/PA)

On Wednesday, Harry’s sister Tayla, 19, said in a TikTok video that her brother was a “good boy” who had a “heart of gold”.

About 100 people – including Harry’s mother, brother and sister – gathered at Downhills Park in Haringey, north London, on Tuesday evening to pay their respects to the teenager, with many carrying flowers and balloons.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou also paid tribute to Harry, a Spurs fan, with the father of three boys saying: “You don’t even want to be thinking about the circumstances of the family and again where we are as a society … the fact that these things still happen like this and young lives are lost for absolutely no reason.

“I couldn’t even contemplate the grief and the pain of what the family are going through.

“I’ve always felt that football clubs are more than just the embodiment of what we do. In sport they are an extended community and an extended family for people.

“If it even gives them the smallest crumb of comfort, then it’s the least we can do and our fans can do.

“It’s just tragic and inconceivable that people and families still have to suffer this grief.”

During Friday’s FA Cup game against Burnley, Tottenham’s stadium was united in applause when the clock struck 16 minutes in tribute to Harry.