A popular park in north London has confirmed it will be closed over the Bonfire Night period and on New Year’s Eve due to public safety fears.
Primrose Hill will be locked nightly during the periods, after the site saw two two fatal stabbings in three years.
Royal Parks, the charity that manages the park, confirmed it will close nightly for 11 days throughout the fireworks period, from October 30 to November 9 between 10pm and 6am.
It will also close on December 30 at 8pm, before reopening on January 1 at 6am.
The Primrose Hill closure map
Royal Parks
The teenager was stabbed and killed during a fight after joining crowds to watch the fireworks from the top of the hill.
21-year-old Finbar Sullivan, who was fatally stabbed in an incident at Primrose Hill
PA
A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: "The safety of all park visitors is our priority. Closing the park over the Bonfire Night period and on New Year's Eve is not a decision we take lightly.
"We know that in the past large numbers have gathered in the park to celebrate these occasions.
"These are not organised events, they are gatherings in open parkland and we have limited controls that we can deploy to ensure public safety. Closing Primrose Hill overnight is the only responsible course of action."
Primrose Hill has previously been a popular viewpoint to watch the Mayor of London’s fireworks
PA Archive
Royal Parks also has reminded visitors that organising large gatherings without permission and setting off fireworks or lanterns is in breach of regulations, which are enforced by the Metropolitan Police.