Kobi Dooly: Father pays tribute to 'dearly missed' son, 4

Kobi's father said he will think of his son "day and night for eternity"

A father has paid tribute to his "dearly missed" four-year-old son after the boy's mother was charged with murder.

A picture of Kobi Dooly, who died after being found with knife injuries in Hackney, on Wednesday night, has been released by the Met Police.

Ben Dooly said: "With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Kobi, you will be so dearly missed".

Keziah Macharia, 41, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on Friday.

"The joy and laughter you brought to the world has been taken far too soon, we will be thinking of you day and night for eternity until we meet you again," Mr Dooly said.

"The family would like to acknowledge and appreciate all messages of support, please respect our family privacy at this very difficult time."

Emergency services were called to a home on Montague Road on Wednesday night

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports that Mr Dooly is from County Waterford.

The Irish Department for Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance in the case.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road on Wednesday night following concerns about the welfare of a child.

Inside, officers found Kobi, who had suffered knife injuries, and arrested his mother.

The child was taken to hospital but despite the efforts of the emergency services, he died from his injuries.

Ms Macharia is scheduled to appear at London's Old Bailey on 28 December.

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