The family of a boy who died after being found with knife injuries at a London flat have paid tribute to him, saying he “will be dearly missed”.
A woman has been charged with the murder of her four-year-old son, Kobi Macharia Dooly, and has appeared in court.
The boy’s father Ben Dooly is originally from Tramore, Co Waterford. He has lived in the UK for many years and it is understood that Irish relatives have travelled to London to support Mr Dooly.
Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, in the east of the city on Wednesday night following concerns about the welfare of a child.
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Inside, officers found Kobi, who had suffered knife injuries, and arrested his 41-year-old mother, Keziah Macharia.
Ms Macharia appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday. She is scheduled to appear at London’s Old Bailey on December 28th.
The child was taken to hospital but despite the efforts of the emergency services, later died from his injuries.
In a statement, Kobi’s family said: “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.”
Members of the extended Dooly family, who own fish and chip shops and an amusement arcade in Tramore are well known and respected in seaside town.
Fr Richard O’Halloran, parish priest at the Holy Cross Church in Summerhill in Tramore, described the death of Kobi as “heartbreaking.”
“The family have called for respect and privacy and I am very mindful of that. The news of that unimaginable incident broke here yesterday. That it had that local connection. At any time such a death is dreadful. But even more so at this time of the year.
“What we celebrate at Christmas is God present to us in the form of a child. We believe that God through the child Jesus is there to love us and support us.
“It (the news) is all the more heartbreaking at this time of year. That we would be saddened at this time of the year by the loss of a child and one with a very close connection to Tramore.”
He added: “People are heartbroken and will be there for them (the family) in whatever way they can be.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is offering consular assistance to the family of the young boy. The Department does not comment on individual cases. – Additional reporting PA