Grogan also stated: “Harry had been with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the new year and watch the firework display. It was there that Harry became involved in an altercation that would have devastating consequences.

“We are aware of speculation, especially on social media, that the attack may have been racially motivated and I can confirm that there is no indication of a racial motive.”

“Harry was not in any way shape or form involved with any gangs or anyone who could cause trouble. He’s not ever been in trouble with the police and people are making it out like Harry died because he did something wrong when my brother’s the victim here.

“And I’m sick of this narrative that’s being portrayed that Harry deserved to die because he was involved, but Harry didn’t deserve to die because he wasn’t involved.”

Police have also stated that there is no evidence the murder was gang-related.

The speculation stems from Primrose Hill's decline into a "party hotspot" equipped with drugs and alcohol since the start of the pandemic. One anonymous local stated the stabbing was "tragic but inevitable" and reported he had made "hundreds" of complaints to police about people exhibiting shady behavior in the area.

Another resident, Gina Germano, said she had warned her two teenage boys about gang violence in the area before they embarked on their journey to the New Year's Eve celebration where Pitman was killed.