AJ, believed to be studying economics at Nottingham University, was reportedly stabbed in the hand and back as he fought to save his friend Finbar Sullivan in an attack at a popular park
A brave friend of a 21-year-old man stabbed to death in a London park sustained multiple injuries in the attack.
Finbar Sullivan, 21, was stabbed at the popular north London lookout spot Primrose Hill after going to meet an undergraduate student friend on the evening of Tuesday, April 7.
His friend AJ, believed to be studying economics at Nottingham University, was reportedly stabbed in the hand and back as he fought to save Finbar.
Finbar had just purchased a new video camera with money from his 21st birthday and had gone to test out the device and to listen to music when it understood that he was singled out by a stranger and stabbed. No arrests have been made.
Videos of the violence on Primrose Hill, north London, showed groups of young men fighting, with one youth appearing to pull out a blade to threaten another young man.
Finbar’s father Chris Sullivan, 65, told the Daily Mail that when it became clear that he was in danger, his friend AJ tried to protect him and was wounded in the process.
“They went up there because it was a nice day. My son met his friend and he was also stabbed,” Chris said.
Chris said AJ was stabbed in the back and in the hands as he was trying to protect Finbar.
AJ is now understood to be recovering after receiving medical attention.
Asked why the two friends had been attacked, Chris said he did not know.
“My son was very morally stood up… he always stood up for other people,” Chris said.
“Maybe they were bullying somebody, maybe they tried to mug him… we just don’t know.”
One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “The park was just so busy, I had gone with my mate after work and it was literally the busiest I have ever seen it because of the weather and it being Easter holidays.”
“Then suddenly we heard this commotion from behind us, and a big brawl kicked off – people were throwing punches, people were screaming at others to stop.”
The Met Police’s Superintendent Matt Cox said: “This is an utterly tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the man’s family and loved ones.
“I would like to reassure the local community that the investigation is unfolding at pace and an increased police presence will remain in the area while we carry out enquiries.
“I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information that could help my officers to come forward.”