Murder arrest over Primrose Hill stabbing

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Finbar Sullivan who was stabbed to death in Primrose Hill.

Officers were called to reports of a fight at the north London beauty spot on Tuesday where the 21-year-old filmmaking student was found fatally injured. He died at the scene.

The Met Police said a 25-year-old man had also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. The two men were held on Friday and remain in police custody.

Chris Sullivan, Finbar's father, has paid tribute to his son, calling him "exceptional" and someone who had a bright future ahead of him.

Police had been called to Primrose Hill shortly after 18:30 BST.

A second man, aged in his 20s, was also discovered with stab injuries by officers on nearby Regent's Park Road.

He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

Chris Sullivan, 65, told BBC London he had lost his only son, who was referred to by friends and family as Fin, after he had simply gone to the park "because it was sunny".

"All of his friends said he was the light, the leader. His friends' parents loved him. This is why it's so tragic," he said.

Chris said his son had recently overcome some health challenges, including being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and going blind in one eye.

He said: "He was very talented - he had a very bright future and it's gone now. I'm going to devote myself to raise money to charities Fin loved."

The 21-year-old's father added that he could not believe his son could be killed in anywhere more benign than "one of the poshest parks in London".

"If we was some bully, a smack-taking idiot, you could understand it," he said.

"It's beyond anything anyone could possibly imagine. I'd give everything I own to have him back again.

"It's so shocking to wake up to a quiet house and not hear him laughing and wishing me 'good night'. It's a sense of silence now. It's left this gaping hole in my life.

"All I can do is try to make some sense of this. If I could swap with him, I would. This is some surreal film I wish I was going to snap out of."

Det Insp Andy Griffin said: "My thoughts remain with Finbar's family who continue to receive support from specialist officers at this unimaginably difficult time.

"Although we have made two arrests, my officers continue to work around the clock to trace everyone involved."

He thanked members of the public who have already come forward and urged anyone with information or footage from the area on the day of the attack to get in touch.

"In the meantime, residents can expect to see an increased police presence as dedicated local officers continue patrols in Primrose Hill and the surrounding areas," Griffin added.

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