A grieving father’s broken voice cut through the chaos like a knife: “Let my son rest in peace.” Christopher Sullivan stood outside the chapel where his 21-year-old son Finbar was laid to rest, tears streaming down his face, as he begged the world to stop turning his boy’s brutal murder into political fodder. But even as the family tries to mourn in private, far-right hate groups and online extremists have hijacked Finbar’s name, twisting a heartbreaking London stabbing into fuel for their toxic agendas — and the exploitation has left the Sullivan family reeling in unimaginable pain.

Finbar Sullivan, a talented aspiring filmmaker with dreams as big as the London skyline he loved to capture on camera, was viciously attacked in broad daylight at Primrose Hill, one of the capital’s most picturesque and supposedly safe beauty spots. The young man, described by everyone who knew him as gentle, creative, and full of life, was punched, kicked, stamped on, and then stabbed multiple times in a frenzied assault that shocked even hardened detectives. He was left bleeding out on the grass while horrified witnesses called for help. Paramedics fought desperately to save him, but Finbar was pronounced dead at the scene — another innocent life stolen in what many are calling yet another example of Britain’s growing knife crime epidemic.

The tragedy itself was horrific enough. But what has followed has been nothing short of despicable. Almost immediately after news of Finbar’s death broke, far-right agitators and online hate accounts began flooding social media with his name. They twisted the facts, pushed conspiracy theories, and used the young man’s death as ammunition in their divisive narratives about immigration, race, and “two-tier policing.” Posts claiming the attack was part of a larger “pattern” spread like wildfire, often accompanied by Finbar’s smiling photos taken from his family’s social media accounts — images that were never meant for this kind of exploitation.

Christopher Sullivan, a musician and devoted father, has been left devastated not only by the loss of his only son but by the way strangers have hijacked his memory. In an emotional plea released through family friends, he said: “Finbar was a gentle soul who loved life and wanted to tell stories through film. He wasn’t a political symbol. He was my boy. Please, let him rest in peace. Stop using his name to spread hate. This pain is ours — not yours to weaponize.”

The father’s words come as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Multiple people were involved in the altercation, and at least one suspect has been arrested. But the facts haven’t stopped opportunistic groups from spinning their own versions of events, often without any evidence. Anti-immigration pages have shared Finbar’s photo with inflammatory captions, while conspiracy theorists have claimed the authorities are “covering up” the true motive. The Sullivan family has been forced to watch their son’s death become a battleground for ideologies he never cared about.

Friends of Finbar have also spoken out against the exploitation. One close friend said: “Finbar was kind to everyone. He didn’t see colour, background, or politics — he saw people. To have his memory used like this is disgusting. His family is broken. They deserve space to grieve, not this circus.”

Primrose Hill, the scenic north London park known for its panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere, has now become synonymous with horror. Families who once picnicked there are avoiding the area. Parents are warning their children to stay away from the viewpoint where Finbar was attacked. The once-idyllic spot now carries a dark shadow, another reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in public spaces across the capital.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed for calm and urged people not to speculate while the investigation continues. Detectives are examining CCTV footage, witness statements, and digital evidence in an attempt to piece together exactly what led to the fatal confrontation. A woman in a pink vest seen filming the incident has been asked to come forward, as her footage could prove crucial. Another man in his 20s was also stabbed during the chaos, though his injuries were not life-threatening.

For the Sullivan family, the pain is compounded by the public circus. Christopher has described Finbar as “the most beautiful, lovely boy” — a gentle soul who wanted nothing more than to create art and tell stories. The young filmmaker had a bright future ahead, full of passion projects and dreams of making it in the industry. Instead, his life was cut short in one of London’s most famous parks, and his name is now being dragged through online hate campaigns.

The exploitation has sparked outrage among anti-hate groups and community leaders, who have condemned the way Finbar’s death is being used to stoke division. “This family is suffering enough,” one activist said. “Turning their tragedy into propaganda is vile. Finbar deserves to be remembered as the talented young man he was, not as a pawn in someone else’s agenda.”

As the investigation moves forward, the Sullivan family continues to plead for privacy. They want justice for Finbar, but they also want the chance to mourn him without the world watching and twisting every detail. Christopher’s anguished plea — “Let my son rest in peace” — echoes the desperation of countless families who have lost loved ones to violence, only to see their pain politicised.

Primrose Hill’s tragedy is part of a larger, troubling pattern. Knife crime in London has been a persistent issue, with young lives lost far too often in seemingly random attacks. The fact that this happened in a popular park during daylight hours has shaken public confidence in safety across the city. Parents are now questioning whether anywhere is truly safe, and community leaders are calling for more action on knife crime prevention and youth support programs.

For now, the focus remains on Finbar Sullivan — a 21-year-old with dreams, talent, and a kind heart who went to Primrose Hill with his camera and never came home. His father’s words serve as both a plea and a warning: stop exploiting my son’s death. Let him rest.

The hate groups may continue their campaigns, but the Sullivan family’s message is clear and powerful. Finbar was not a symbol. He was a son. A brother. A friend. A young man full of potential whose life was stolen too soon.

And in their grief, all they ask is the simple dignity of being allowed to mourn him in peace.