Latest news with #AnnabelRook
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Partner of charity boss found stabbed to death in home after gas explosion appears in court charged with her murder
The partner of a charity boss found stabbed to death after a gas explosion ripped through her home has appeared in court charged with her murder. Annabel Rook, 46, was found dead at her address in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, North London just before 5am on June 17. 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 and trial preparation hearing on September 24 while his trial was fixed for June 1 2026. Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn said: 'We invite the court to fix a four week trial date. 'We understand that June 1 2026 is a date that the court can accommodate, and we ask the court to fix that trial date today.' Judge Oscar Del Fabbro told George: 'You will next attend here on September 24 when you can expect to be arraigned, that is to enter for pleas. If necessary further directions will be given.' Police were called to Ms Rook's house along with 40 firefighters after the gas explosion. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out that morning, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. Two children, aged seven and nine, were also taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident but are not thought to have been inside the home when the explosion happened. Ms Rook co-founded charity MamaSuze CIC supporting refugee and migrant women. 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.' 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.' MamaSuze said in a statement it was 'devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder' adding: 'Annabel was a profound force for good in the world, dedicating her working life to supporting women survivors.' Anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the incident has been urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Independent
25-06-2025
- The Independent
Trial set for man charged with murdering partner found stabbed after explosion
A trial date has been set for a man charged with murdering his partner, who was found stabbed following a gas explosion at her home. Annabel Rook, 46, was found with multiple stab wounds in the living room of a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, north-east London, on June 17. Clifton George, 44, of Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, who was charged on Sunday with Ms Rook's murder, spoke only to confirm his identity when he appeared in the dock at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday. He was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life. George was arrested at the scene shortly after officers arrived and taken to hospital with slash injuries. He was later released into police custody before being charged, the Metropolitan Police said. Ms Rook died as a result of the knife wounds, according to a preliminary post-mortem, Nicholas Hearn, prosecuting, told the court. George, who was wearing a grey jumper, was not asked to enter any pleas on Wednesday. He was remanded into custody by Judge Oscar Del Fabbro and told he would next appear at the same court on September 24 for a further case management hearing. A trial date was fixed for June 1 next year. Police were called at 4.57am on June 17 to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the property. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out that morning, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were also called to the scene.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- BBC News
Man charged with murder of woman after gas blast
Police were called at 04:57 to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the property. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were also called to the scene. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. The family of Ms Rook, who worked for a social enterprise she co-founded called Mama Suze CIC, which supports refugee and migrant women, is being supported by specialist officers, the Metropolitan Police said. In a statement on Sunday, issued though the police, her family said they were "struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy. "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."
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Partner of charity boss found dead after rescuers attended a gas explosion is remanded in custody over 'murder and arson'
A man appeared in court today charged with murdering his partner who was found stabbed following a gas explosion at her home. Annabel Rook, 46, was discovered fatally injured with multiple stab wounds in the living room of a house in Stoke Newington, North East London, on June 17. Clifton George, 44, was arrested for murder at the scene shortly after officers arrived, taken to hospital with slash injuries, then discharged and released into police custody. The Metropolitan Police confirmed this morning that he had been charged yesterday with Ms Rook's murder and arson with intent to endanger life. Today, George spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address when he appeared in the dock at Thames Magistrates' Court in Bow. Ms Rook co-founded the refugee and women's organisation MamaSuze, an arts-based unit which helps victims of forced displacement and gender-based violence. Prosecutor Cathryn Evans repeated the organisation's tribute, telling the court Ms Rook was 'a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others'. 'She spent the last 20 years of her career bringing joy and creativity to marginalised people and she cared deeply about improving the lives of vulnerable women and children.' George was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on June 25. 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.' Police were called at 4.57am on June 17 to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the property. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out that morning, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident but are not thought to have been inside the home when the explosion happened. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were also called to the scene. In a statement previously issued via the Metropolitan Police, Ms Rook's family said they were 'struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy'. 'We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman,' the tribute read. '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.' MamaSuze is defined as a Community Interest Company (CIC), which is a limited company intended to benefit a community that cannot be registered as a charity. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the incident has been urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- The Independent
Man in court charged with murder of partner found stabbed after house explosion
A man has appeared in court charged with murdering his partner who was found stabbed following a gas explosion at her home. Annabel Rook, 46, was found with multiple stab wounds in the living room of a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, north-east London, on June 17. Clifton George, 44, of Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, who was charged on Sunday with Ms Rook's murder, spoke only to confirm his personal details when he appeared in the dock at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday. He was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life. George was arrested at the scene shortly after officers arrived and taken to hospital with slash injuries. He was later released into police custody before being charged, the Metropolitan Police said. Ms Rook was the co-founder of the refugee and women's organisation MamaSuze, an arts-based unit which helps victims of forced displacement and gender-based violence. Prosecutor Cathryn Evans repeated the organisation's tribute, telling the court Ms Rook was 'a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others'. 'She spent the last 20 years of her career bringing joy and creativity to marginalised people and she cared deeply about improving the lives of vulnerable women and children.' George was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on June 25. 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.' In a statement previously issued via the Metropolitan Police, Ms Rook's family said they were 'struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy'. 'We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman,' the tribute read. '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.' Police were called at 4.57am on June 17 to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the property. The front bay window of the property was completely blown out that morning, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street. Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident but are not thought to have been inside the home when the explosion happened. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were also called to the scene.
