'Murdered' four-year-old's devastated dad says he brought 'joy and laughter'

23 December 2023 , 13:47

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Tributes have been paid to tragic Kobi Macharia Dooly (Image: Irish Mirror)

The heartbroken father of a four-year-old boy stabbed to death this week said the youngster's "the joy and laughter he brought to the world has been taken far too soon".

Ben Dooley has paid tribute to his son Kobi Macharia Dooly, who was discovered with knife injuries at an address in Hackney, east London, on Wednesday night. Ben 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 far too soon, we will be thinking of you day and night for eternity until 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."

Kobi was taken to hospital after police officers were called to an address in Montague Road at around 10.50pm on Wednesday, December 20, but he died of his wounds.

Forensic officers are pictured at the property in east London (PA)

Ben, originally from Tramore in Co Waterford, Ireland, has today shared his grief following the tragedy as authorities issued a picture of his son. Speaking on 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.

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"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 there 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."

Kobi's mum Keziah Macharia, has been charged with murder and has appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court yesterday. The 41-year-old woman did not enter a plea and will appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, December 28.

Bradley Jolly