Trial date set for man accused of murdering partner found dead after gas explosi
Annabel Rook, 46, was killed at her terrace house in Hackney, North London just before 5am on June 17.
The charity worker, 46, was sadly declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Her two children, aged seven and nine, were not thought to be in the house at the time and are unharmed.
Clifton George, 44, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court charged with murdering Ms Rook and arson with recklessness as to whether life would be endangered.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on 24 September, while his trial was set for June 1 next year.
Ms Rook's family have said they were 'struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.
'We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother.' In the tribute released through the Met Police the family said: '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.'
Ms Rook was a respected charity worker who had helped refugees and women fleeing domestic violence for two decades.
She co-founded the charity, MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women with art and drama activities. More Trending
MamaSuze said in a statement it was 'devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder'.
They said: 'Annabel was a profound force for good in the world, dedicating her working life to supporting women survivors.'
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who is in charge of policing for the Central East Basic Command Unit, said yesterday: '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.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: 'We want property developers to rebuild our pub brick-by-brick'
MORE: This is where Keir Starmer will go if World War Three comes to London
MORE: Samurai swordsman guilty of murdering schoolboy he nearly decapitated during rampage
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Oasis tragedy as fan in his 40s falls to his death at Wembley stadium after Gallagher brothers sell out gig
An Oasis fan last night fell to his death at Wembley Stadium during the Gallagher brothers' sell out concert. A man, aged in his 40s, was fatally injured at around 10.19pm, the Met Police said. One eyewitness told the Daily Mail they heard screams and shouts after the male had tumbled from the balcony. They said: 'It was horrendous. The guy fell from a balcony. Paramedics came rushing over. There was a lot of screaming and shouting. 'It was a big fall. God knows how it happened. It was so tragic. I don't know how on earth it happened. 'It was heartbreaking. He was only young.' A spokesperson for the force said: 'At around 22:19hrs on Saturday, 2 August, officers on duty at Wembley Stadium for the Oasis concert responded alongside venue medics and the London Ambulance Service to reports that a person had been injured. 'A man - aged in his 40s – was found with injuries consistent with a fall. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 'The stadium was busy, and we believe it is likely a number of people witnessed the incident, or may knowingly or unknowingly have caught it on mobile phone video footage. 'If you have any information that could help us to confirm what happened, please call 101, quoting 7985/02AUG.'
Sky News
4 hours ago
- Sky News
New Cross: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal stabbing in southeast London
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 26-year-old was stabbed to death in southeast London. Met Police officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at an address on Monson Road, New Cross, at 7.30pm on Saturday. The force attended the scene with the London Ambulance Service and medics from the London Air Ambulance who provided emergency care. Officers said the 26-year-old man died at the scene, and specialist officers are supporting his family. Scotland Yard said another 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder a short time later. He remains in custody as of Sunday afternoon. Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this difficult time. "I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances.
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Murder arrest after man found stabbed at home in New Cross
A man has been arrested after a 26-year-old was found stabbed to death in a home in south-east Met Police said officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at the property on Monson Road, New Cross, at about 19:30 BST on services attended including the air ambulance however he died at the scene. His family are being supported by officers.A man, also aged 26, was arrested on suspicion of murder a short time later. He remains in custody. Det Ch Insp Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this difficult time."I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us."
