On a warm Tuesday evening in April 2026, 21-year-old aspiring filmmaker Finbar Sullivan headed to Primrose Hill in north London with a simple plan: test his new camera, capture the sweeping city skyline, and meet friends for drinks. What began as an ordinary creative outing ended in tragedy when a sudden confrontation erupted, leaving Sullivan fatally stabbed. A friend who was on the phone with him at the precise moment the violence began has now described the chilling final seconds: normal conversation, a brief silence, then screams and heavy breathing before the line went quiet.

independent.co.uk

Primrose Hill stabbing: Young filmmaker Finbar Sullivan remembered as ‘beautiful, lovely boy’ | The Independent

Finbar Sullivan, a student at the London Screen Academy and known to many as “Fin” or under his creative alias “Sully Shot It,” was the only son of Christopher Sullivan, a 65-year-old artist, writer, and founder of the 1980s band Blue Rondo à la Turk, and Leah Seresin, who has ties to the film industry through her father, renowned New Zealand cinematographer Michael Seresin. Family and friends described Finbar as a gentle, creative young man who avoided trouble, did not drink or smoke, and was passionate about visual storytelling. He had recently recovered from a concerning eye impairment and was eager to resume filming.

secretldn.com

Primrose Hill Has Been Recognised As London’s Most Scenic View

The Final Phone Call: “Yo, we’re gonna grab some drinks…”

At approximately 6:39pm on 7 April, one of Finbar’s close friends—reportedly a fellow film student—called him. The conversation was light and typical for two young creatives making plans.

According to the friend, who spoke to several media outlets, Finbar said something along the lines of: “Yo, me and a few friends are gonna go get a Lime bike down to grab some drinks.” Moments later, the phone went quiet for around 30 seconds. It sounded as if it had been muted or put down. Then, suddenly, the line came alive again with the sounds of chaos: screaming, heavy breathing, and what appeared to be the unfolding of a violent altercation.

The friend, shaken, told Finbar to “call me back when you can” and hung up, not knowing the full horror that was taking place. Police received emergency calls about the incident shortly afterwards, around 6:41pm. Paramedics fought to save Finbar for around 20 minutes at the scene but could not revive him. He was pronounced dead near the popular viewpoint on Primrose Hill.

news.sky.com

Man, 21, dies after being stabbed at Primrose Hill viewpoint | UK News | Sky News

Another young man in his 20s was also stabbed in the incident and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses described a fight involving several young men breaking out in broad daylight on the grassy slopes of the hill, a place usually associated with picnics, dog walkers, and tourists enjoying panoramic views of London landmarks including the Shard, the London Eye, and the BT Tower.

Charges and Court Appearances

Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu (also referred to in some reports with the spelling Oliuwadamilola), 27, of Southbury Road in Enfield, north London, was arrested on Friday 10 April and charged with murder on Sunday 12 April. He appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 April. During a brief hearing, Ogunyankinnu confirmed his details and told the district judge: “I didn’t kill anybody. I didn’t stab anybody. Police got the wrong person.” He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey.

standard.co.uk

Pictured: Man charged with murder of 21-year-old at Primrose Hill appears in court | The Standard

On Tuesday 14 April, a second suspect, 18-year-old Khalid Abdulqadir of Fellows Road in Camden, was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, violent disorder, and possession of a knife. He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and was also remanded in custody, with a further hearing scheduled for Inner London Crown Court in May.

Metropolitan Police detectives continue to investigate the full circumstances of the brawl. They have appealed for information, particularly from a young woman or teenager seen filming the incident, who was wearing a pink vest, blue denim shorts, and black trainers. Her footage could prove crucial. Officers have also noted that videos of the confrontation circulated online shortly after the event.

Investigators have indicated that forensic examination of the scene—particularly near the grass edge where the confrontation appears to have escalated—has revealed traces that remain unexplained and are still being analysed. The exact sequence of events, including how an innocent bystander with a camera became fatally caught up, is the focus of ongoing inquiries.

A Life Defined by Creativity, Not Conflict

Finbar’s family has been vocal in emphasising that he had no enemies and was not involved in any gang activity or street disputes. He simply went to Primrose Hill—a spot he visited regularly from his family home in nearby Maida Vale—to film the view and enjoy the spring evening. His father, Christopher Sullivan, has spoken of his devastation, describing his son as “a beautiful, lovely, outgoing, loving boy” who “can never be replaced.” He has vowed to dedicate the rest of his life to honouring Finbar’s memory.

westminsterextra.co.uk

Bright young filmmaker, 21, is stab victim | Westminster Extra

Friends recalled Finbar’s excitement about his new camera and his growing portfolio of music videos for British artists. A family friend from New York noted that Finbar had been recovering from illness but was “getting better” and eager to create again. “He literally just went to the park to enjoy this beautiful day,” she said.

The London Screen Academy, where Finbar studied, has expressed profound sadness at the loss of a promising talent in a creative, collaborative environment filled with lights, sets, and aspiring storytellers.

indiewire.com

2026 SXSW Feature Film Camera Survey

Primrose Hill: Beauty Spot Shattered by Violence

Primrose Hill is one of London’s most cherished public spaces, offering some of the best views of the capital’s skyline. On clear evenings, its slopes are dotted with people relaxing and taking photos. Yet, like other green spaces in the city, it has not been entirely immune to incidents of violence, including a previous high-profile stabbing on New Year’s Eve 2023.

The 7 April incident has once again raised questions about knife crime in public areas during daylight hours and the speed with which seemingly random confrontations can escalate. Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and visitors.

Tributes have continued to appear at the site, with flowers and messages left near the viewpoint where Finbar fell. The tripod reportedly left standing where he was last filming has become a poignant symbol of a life interrupted while pursuing a simple creative passion.

stock.adobe.com

Photo Stock Sunset at Primrose hill park, a nice green space closed to Camden town where you can admire the skyline of London | Adobe Stock

Calls for Justice and Reflection

As the legal process moves forward—with Ogunyankinnu facing the Old Bailey and Abdulqadir appearing in magistrates’ court—Finbar’s loved ones await answers. His father has publicly criticised aspects of the police response, questioning response times on the evening of the attack, though the Metropolitan Police have expressed their condolences and emphasised the active investigation.

The friend who was on the final call has spoken of his regret and shock, saying he had no idea it would be the last time he heard Finbar’s voice. That brief silence on the line, followed by screams, has haunted those who heard the account.

Finbar Sullivan went out with a camera in his hands and dreams in his heart. He left behind a family broken by loss, friends in disbelief, and a community asking why such violence continues to claim young lives in places meant for peace and enjoyment.

Police continue to urge anyone with information, dashcam footage, or private videos from the area around 6:30–7:00pm on 7 April to come forward via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting the relevant reference.

In the words of those who knew him best, Finbar was not defined by the manner of his death but by his gentle spirit and creative spark. As investigations delve deeper into the unexplained traces at the scene, his story stands as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly an ordinary evening can turn tragic.