Man charged over stabbing of charity worker after gas explosion
A man is due to appear in court charged with murder after a charity worker was found stabbed to death in her east London home after a gas explosion.
Clifton George, 44, of Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, was charged on Sunday with the murder of Annabel Rook and arson with intent to endanger life.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Thames magistrates' court in Bow on Monday.
Rook, 46, who founded the charity MamaSuze, was found fatally injured at an address on Dumont Road on June 17.
A man was arrested and taken to hospital. He was released into police custody before being charged.
Rook's family paid tribute on Sunday. 'Annabel was a truly wonderful woman. She touched the hearts of so many,' they said in a statement.
'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.'
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke 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.'
Police were called at 5am to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside and attended alongside London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.
Rook's family are being supported by specialist police officers.
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