Finbar Sullivan, 21, Videographer, Loses His Life in Primrose Hill, North London, While Testing a New Camera — Father Pays Tribute to Son

He had barely left the flat. A new camera hung around his neck, and a warm spring evening in one of London's most beloved parks lay ahead of him. His father, Christopher, was at home, working on a portrait. The call that came next would change everything.

Finbar Sullivan, 21, lost his life in Primrose Hill on Tuesday evening after a violent confrontation erupted in the popular north London park.

Finbar Sullivan | Source: Facebook/Junior Mitchell

His father, Christopher Sullivan, founder of the 1980s band Blue Rondo à la Turk and the iconic Wag Club in Soho, has spoken publicly of his heartbreak, describing a devoted young man who rarely left the house and spent most evenings editing videos from the family's Maida Vale flat.

"This is the worst tragedy I could ever imagine," Christopher told the Daily Mail. "He's my only son. I had him when I was 45. He can never be replaced."

Finbar, who studied at the London Screen Academy and produced music videos under the name Sully Shot It, had only just turned 21. His family had all contributed towards a new camera as a birthday present, and he had just taken it out for a test run when the incident occurred.

Christopher said he couldn't understand why his son had been targeted, and was completely heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with the loss.

He described his son as a kind, loving, and outgoing young man with a warm personality, a genuinely good person. According to him, there was no clear reason why anyone would single him out.

He also portrayed his son as someone deeply passionate about filmmaking. At 21, he spent most of his time focused on creating and editing films rather than going out or engaging in typical social habits.

He avoided drinking and smoking, choosing instead to stay home and work on his projects nearly every night. Christopher added that his son had dreamed of following in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursuing a career as a cameraman.

Finbar's grandfather is Michael Seresin, the celebrated cinematographer behind "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and the 1987 film "Angel Heart," starring Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke.

In the days before his passing, Finbar had been working with his father on plans for a new company. "We were just about to start a company together, he was going to do his showreel today with me," Christopher said.

The devastated dad rushed to Primrose Hill as soon as he was told his son had been caught up in the violence. He arrived to find the surrounding streets sealed off.

By the time he got there, paramedics had spent 20 minutes attempting to save Finbar. There was nothing more to be done. Christopher said:

"It's Primrose Hill, for God's sake... it's like Hyde Park. It's not somewhere you expect this."

Tuesday had drawn an unusually large crowd to the park. One witness, who asked not to be named, described the atmosphere moments before the confrontation erupted:

"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."

The incident unfolded suddenly. The witness recalled hearing noise behind them as a large fight broke out. Fists were thrown while bystanders shouted for those involved to stop. Most of the individuals appeared to be around 18 or 19 years old.

Footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing a large group of men in confrontation across the park. In one clip, a young man appears to pull out a blade toward another. No one has been detained in connection with Finbar's passing.

Christopher was firm on one point: his son had no connection to those responsible. He described the incident as "indiscriminate," adding:

"He was a studious kid who just loved movies and making films."

Following the incident, tributes started flowing in. Artist GGL Wuni, a close friend of Finbar's, paid his respects online, "My brother, my family, I will never let your name fade. The most clean-hearted guy I've ever met, always turned up for me without a miss."

The New Zealand Society also shared a photo of Finbar alongside his parents on Facebook, extending its condolences to both families. "Sending much aroha to the Sullivan and Seresin families," the post read.

Finbar's mother, Leah Seresin, is understood to be travelling to the UK from abroad.