UK

Mother charged with murder of child whose father is from Ireland

Forensic officers at a property on Montague Road in Dalston, east London, where a four-year-old boy has died after suffering knife injuries. A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Thursday December 21, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Hackney. PICTURE: Yui Mok/PA Wire (Yui Mok/Yui Mok/PA Wire)

A mother charged with the murder of her four-year-old son in east London has appeared in court.

Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, 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 later died from his injuries.

RTÉ reported that Kobi’s father is from Co Waterford.

The Department for Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance in the case.

Ms Macharia appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court earlier and she is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 28 December.

A post-mortem examination of Kobi will also take place on December 28.

On Thursday, the Met’s Det Ch Supt James Conway 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.”