Latest news with #MamaSuze
Metro
25-06-2025
- Metro
Trial date set for man accused of murdering partner found dead after gas explosi
A man accused of stabbing a 'truly wonderful' mum to death before blowing up her house has appeared in crown court for the first time. 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@ 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
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.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
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.
