A woman has appeared in court charged with the murder of her four-year-old son in Hackney.
Police were called to an address 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 custody at Thames Magistrates' Court on Friday.
She is scheduled to appear at London's Old Bailey on December 28.
An investigation is under way led by homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command.
They 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.”
Another resident told the Standard he was “heartbroken” about the boy's death and explained he used to “see him everyday”.
A neighbour living directly opposite the flat laid flowers at the scene alongside a card which read: “Precious little one, we are sorry you were not seen. Your life was too short.”
Paul King, 38, who lives nearby, said there seems to be “an epidemic of violence in the borough”.
The Hackney resident said: “I’ve lived here for five years I have not seen this much (crime).
“Over the past few months there has been an increase in violence and things like this happening.
“I’m thinking about packing up and going while I still can.”
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.”
