The father of Kobi Macharia Dooly, the four-year-old who was found with knife injuries at an address in east London, has paid tribute to his son, saying “the joy and laughter you brought to the world has been taken far too soon”. Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, at about 11pm on Wednesday after concerns were raised about the welfare of a child. When officers entered the home, they found Kobi with knife injuries and arrested his mother, Keziah Macharia. The boy was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries. A picture of Kobi was released by the Metropolitan police on Saturday, along with a tribute from his father, Ben Dooly. “With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Kobi, you will be so dearly missed,” he said. “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.” Macharia appeared at Thames magistrates court on Friday and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey in London on Thursday 28 December.