A 27-year-old man from Enfield has appeared in court charged with the murder of 21-year-old aspiring filmmaker Finbar Sullivan, who was fatally stabbed in broad daylight at Primrose Hill in north London. Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu denied the allegations during a brief two-minute hearing at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 13, 2026, insisting: “I didn’t kill anybody, I didn’t stab anybody, they’ve got the wrong person.” The case has now been committed to the Old Bailey, with Ogunyankinnu remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance on Wednesday, April 15.

The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, April 7, around 6.30pm at the popular viewing point in Primrose Hill. Finbar Sullivan, a filmmaking student at the London Screen Academy, had gone to the scenic park to test out a new camera he had received for his 21st birthday. What began as a creative outing on a warm spring evening turned deadly when police were called to reports of a fight. Officers discovered Finbar with multiple stab wounds. Despite a friend performing CPR for approximately 20 minutes at the scene, he could not be saved. The fatal injury was a stab wound to the leg that severed an artery, causing him to bleed out rapidly.

A second man, believed to be in his 20s, was also found nearby on Regent’s Park Road with non-life-threatening knife wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. The Metropolitan Police launched a full murder investigation, leading to Ogunyankinnu’s arrest on Friday. A 25-year-old man was initially detained on suspicion of assisting an offender but was later released with no further action.

Finbar’s family has been left utterly devastated by the sudden loss of their only son. His father, Christopher Sullivan, 65, an artist, spoke emotionally about the kind-hearted young man he described as “the most beautiful, lovely, outgoing, loving boy.” Christopher revealed the heartbreaking sequence of events: he received a call from one of Finbar’s friends saying the 21-year-old had been hurt and that CPR was underway. Rushing to Primrose Hill, he was initially held back by a police cordon. When he identified himself, a CID officer delivered the devastating news: “I am sorry, your son is dead.”

Christopher told reporters: “This is the worst tragedy I could ever imagine. He’s my only son. I had him when I was 45. He can never be replaced. I’m so broken-hearted, I can’t believe it.” He added that Finbar was “just a really lovely person” who was passionate about his craft and determined to build a career in the film industry. The family home is in nearby Maida Vale, and Finbar frequently visited Primrose Hill, a place he loved for its panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere.

Finbar had strong creative heritage. He was the grandson of legendary cinematographer Michael Seresin, renowned for his work on blockbuster films including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Rambo III. Working under the alias “Sully Shot It,” Finbar produced music videos and other content while studying at the London Screen Academy. Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle, enthusiastic talent with a bright future ahead, someone who had overcome earlier personal challenges, including an eye impairment, only to have his life cut short in such a senseless act of violence.

The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for information to help piece together the full circumstances of the altercation. Officers are particularly keen to speak with anyone who witnessed events or captured footage in the park that evening. Relevant videos, photographs, or statements can be uploaded directly to the major incident portal or provided by calling 101, quoting reference 6448/07Apr. Anonymous information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This stabbing has shocked residents and highlighted ongoing concerns about knife crime in public spaces across the capital. Primrose Hill, usually filled with families, dog walkers, and people enjoying the outdoors, became the scene of sudden tragedy on a beautiful spring evening when crowds had gathered in the warm weather. Social media footage of an apparent altercation has circulated online, though police have not confirmed its direct connection to the fatal attack.

As the legal process advances at the Old Bailey, the focus remains on seeking justice for Finbar Sullivan. Ogunyankinnu is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The coming weeks and months will likely see evidence presented, including forensic results, witness testimonies, and any available CCTV or mobile phone footage from the busy park.

Christopher Sullivan has vowed to spend the rest of his life honouring his son’s memory. In interviews, he has expressed profound grief and disbelief that a simple trip to test a new camera could end in such heartbreak. Friends of the family, including those in the creative community, have echoed the sentiment, describing Finbar as a promising young voice whose enthusiasm and kindness touched many.

The case adds to the grim tally of knife-related deaths in London, prompting renewed discussions about public safety and the factors driving youth violence in the city. Community leaders and local residents have expressed sorrow that such an incident could occur in a beloved green space known for its scenic beauty rather than danger.

For now, Finbar’s loved ones mourn a young man full of potential who was taken far too soon. Tributes continue to flow in online and within the film industry, remembering his dedication, his gentle personality, and his dreams of following in his grandfather’s illustrious footsteps. The viewpoint at Primrose Hill, where he stood with his camera on that fateful evening, now carries a heavy shadow of loss amid the spring blossoms.

The Metropolitan Police have emphasised that their investigation remains active and urged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward. Every detail could help provide answers and closure for Finbar’s grieving family. In the meantime, a father grapples with an irreplaceable void, while a promising creative talent is remembered for the light he brought to those around him before his life was tragically extinguished in one moment of violence.