One year old Sonny, who died following a dog attack in Christchurch, is being remembered as a beautiful little boy who brought happiness and warmth wherever he went.

Emergency services were called to a Basingstoke Street property in Aranui at about 4.45pm on Friday.

Sonny suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Police said the dog involved was known to the occupants and lived at the property. It was removed from the home following the attack.

Sonny’s parents, Greg and Jordan, run the Checkmat Christchurch Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, where their little boy was a much loved presence.

Family friend Mike Gunter, who created a Givealittle page for the couple and gave Chris Lynch Media permission to publish a family photograph, shared loving memories of the boy known affectionately as “Sunshine”.

Gunter said the gym was, in many ways, a second home for Sonny.

Mike told chrislynchmedia.com “The jiu-jitsu community is close-knit, and when one of our families is going through a difficult time, people genuinely rally around them.

“The support for Greg, Jordan and their family, from fundraising and practical help to simply letting them know they are not facing this alone, shows the strength and heart of the Christchurch and wider New Zealand jiu-jitsu community.”

“Sonny truly lived up to his name. He brought so much happiness and warmth wherever he went,” Gunter said.

“His beautiful presence touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Gunter described Greg and Jordan as the heart of the Jiu Jitsu community.

He said the couple were deeply loved and respected, and were known for helping others without hesitation or expecting anything in return.

The fundraiser will help ease the family’s financial pressure, giving Greg and Jordan time to grieve and support one another without having to worry about work, everyday expenses and the unexpected costs associated with their loss.

All money raised will go directly to the couple.

Those unable to donate are being encouraged to share the page and keep Sonny, his parents and the wider family in their thoughts.

Police continued speaking with those who lived at the property on Saturday and provided them with support.