Police in Primrose Hill on New Year’s Day morning [Simon Lamrock]

• THE senseless killing of 16-year-old Harry Pitman is incredibly sad and has shocked everyone, (Detectives appeal for phone footage in hunt for killer who stabbed Harry Pitman, January 4).

As many have commented on social media, the massive crowds on New Year’s Eve at the park were larger than ever, and have been growing over many years. Estimated crowds were 15,000 to 25,000 according to witnesses.

We know that large police resources were in place, but seemingly no decision had been made from the Royal Parks over controlling the numbers arriving.

We hear that screening for weapons was being conducted, but obviously not enough, so the risk of a knife attack had been identified.

Extra toilets for the “event” were laid on, and vandalised, but there was no control over the large numbers crowding onto the wet and muddy Hill.

If Royal Parks, who are responsible for the public safety at such events, cannot control them, how will such tragedies ever be prevented in future?

Obviously, as with all other large public spaces, the authorities must manage access properly and safely; something many people have been asking for in Primrose Hill for at least four years.

Begging all those who carry knives to give them up (there is a bin on King Henry’s Road for this purpose, next to St Mary’s Church). The Youthwork team, Mary’s, can also help, in confidence, if you are affected by these issues.

ELEANOR STURDY, NW1