Man charged with murder over death of ‘wonderful’ mum in gas explosion

A man has been charged with murdering a ‘truly wonderful’ mum who was found with stab wounds after a gas explosion at her home.

Annabel Rook, 46, died at her terrace house in Hackney, north London.

Emergency services rushed to the property at 4.57am on Tuesday, June 17, following reports of a gas explosion.

The human rights lawyer was sadly declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Clifton George, 44, was charged yesterday with Annabel’s murder.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who is in charge of policing for the Central East Basic Command Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts continue to remain with the family and friends of Annabel as they navigate this devastating loss.

‘We ask that the public refrain from speculation and respect their privacy at this time, and we thank the Hackney community for their ongoing support.’

Annabel’s two children, aged seven and nine, were not thought to be in the house at the time and are unharmed.

Her devastated family said they were ‘struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy’.

They added: ‘We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman. She touched the hearts of so many.

‘She gave her life to helping the vulnerable and the disadvantaged whether it was in refugee camps in Africa or setting up MamaSuze in London, to enhance the lives of survivors of forced displacement and gender-based violence.

‘We would really appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.’

A man was arrested for murder at the scene shortly after officers arrived and taken to hospital with slash injuries.

He was later discharged and released into police custody before being charged.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.