A four-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Hackney has been pictured for the first time.
Police were called to a flat in Montague Road, Dalston, on Wednesday night following concerns about the welfare of a child.
Inside, officers found Kobi Macharia Dooly, who had suffered knife injuries, and arrested his 41-year-old mother, Keziah Macharia.
The child was taken to hospital but despite the efforts of the emergency services, later died from his injuries.
Macharia appeared in court charged with the murder of her four-year-old son on Friday and she is scheduled to appear at London's Old Bailey on December 28.
In a statement, the boy's father Ben Dooly, who is originally from Tramore in south-east Ireland, and the rest of his family, said: “With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Kobi, you will be so dearly missed.
“The joy and laughter you brought to the world has been taken from us far too soon. We will be thinking of you day and night for eternity till we meet you again.
“The family would like to acknowledge and appreciate all messages of support. Please respect our family privacy at this very difficult time.”
Mr Dooly is reported to have lived in Britain and his family have travelled from Ireland to be with him following his son’s death, the Irish Independent has reported.
He was reportedly working outside London when the tragedy happened in Hackney.
The family are highly respected in Waterford, south-east Ireland, with very strong community, business and sporting connections, the newspaper added.
An investigation into the boy's death is underway led by homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command.
The force confirmed nobody else is being sought in connection with the incident. Forensics officers remain at the scene searching rooms as detectives make house to house inquiries.
Flowers have been left at the scene.
One tribute card read “Rest in paradise beautiful Kobi” with a heart drawn next to the words.
Another said: “May your soul be at peace Kobe. Heaven has gained a new angel.”
A third described him as “a precious little one”, adding: “Your life was too short.”
Meanwhile, neighbours told of their shock following the incident in “a very quiet street”.
A mother-of-two, 32, said: “I have a child who is a similar age, it’s horrifying. To have to walk past police tape seems too common around here.”
A 36-year-old said those involved “seemed like a loving family” and added that the boy was “a very happy child”.
They continued: “We often saw the boy playing on his scooter. He was happy and energetic.
“I think he is in nursery. I don’t think he is in reception yet. He must be a couple of months younger than mine.”
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.
“We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.
“Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child’s death, and the events that led up to it.
“This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.”
