'HEAVY HEARTS'
Irish family’s heartbreaking tribute to boy, 4, who’ll ‘be so dearly missed’ after he was stabbed to death in London
Kobi Macharia-Dooly was found with stab injuries after police were called to Hackney, East London, on Wednesday.
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The boy's mother, Keziah Macharia, 41, was charged with murder and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court today.
She was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday.
Kobi's dad, Ben Dooly, who is originally from Tramore, Co , has lived in for many years.
His family are well-known in business and sporting circles in the east of the .
And the extended family are involved in the ownership of local takeaway businesses and an amusement arcade.
In a statement today, the family told how they will be thinking of Kobi "for eternity".
They 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.
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"The family would like to acknowledge and appreciate all messages of support.
"Please respect our family privacy at this very difficult time."
Police were scrambled to the home in Montague Road at just before 11pm following concerns for the welfare of a child.
Kobi was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn't be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
Horrified locals told how the youngster was a "happy boy" who was often seen playing on his scooter.
One claimed she heard screaming before police were seen leaving the house "crying and shaking".
'Shock to all'
She added: "They couldn’t hold it in.
"It’s a shock to all of us here.”
Dad Ben was planning a trip back to for Christmas when the horror unfolded.
Scotland Yard confirmed a post mortem will take place next Thursday.
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.
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"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.”
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