Community attends vigil for murdered toddler Sanaya Sahib
Pink and yellow balloons filled the sky during a public memorial at the park where 14-month-old toddler Sanaya Sahib's body was found.
Around 100 people gathered at the community vigil at Olympic Park on Friday at 11am, to pay respects to the murdered little girl.
Yellow and pink balloons were released in honour of baby Sanaya Sahib. Source: 7 News
The toddler's father Sameer Sahib was not at the memorial, but is expected to attend the public funeral on Saturday.
Sanaya's family has thanked the Heidelberg West community for helping them through 'this darkest time.' #7newsmelb pic.twitter.com/NflAx39MdK
— Kate Jones (@Kate_Jones7) April 15, 2016
Young Bella is singing Beyonce's version of Ave Maria before balloons are released in honour of Sanaya Sahib. #7news pic.twitter.com/uK8hxUpjcJ
— Kate Jones (@Kate_Jones7) April 15, 2016
Sanaya's body was found in the Darebin Creek on Sunday less than 24 hours after her mother, Sofina Nikat, told police she had been snatched from her pram in a Heidelberg West park.
The 22-year-old mother made "full admissions" in a police interview to killing her daughter.
She was charged with her daughter's murder on Tuesday and was due to front court on Wednesday but was excused after her lawyer, Michael McNamara, raised mental health concerns.
These are the final pictures of Sanaya Sahib and her murder-accused mum Sofina Nikat. Photo: 7 News
Nikat initially had told police a man of African appearance, smelling of alcohol and wearing no shoes, pushed her to the ground on Saturday morning before taking off with the toddler.
She said she gave chase but could not catch him.
More than 100 people touched by Sanaya's death have already gathered for balloon vigil. Crowd growing. #7newsmelb pic.twitter.com/5W5lb1psow
— Kate Jones (@Kate_Jones7) April 15, 2016
The pictures were taken just two days before Ms Nikat allegedly murdered her 14-month-old daughter. Photo: 7 News
Sameer Sahib. Photo: 7 News
Hundreds of flowers, soft toys, and notes have been left at a makeshift shrine along a fence at Olympic Park since the toddler was murdered.
Mr Sahib, has released videos of the 14-month-old being cuddled by his estranged wife just days before Nikat allegedly murdered the toddler.
