A women’s charity boss found stabbed to death after a gas explosion at a house in Stoke Newington has been named and pictured for the first time.
Annabel Rook was found fatally injured at a house in Dumont Road around 5am this morning (June 17).
The 46-year-old died at the scene.
Ms Rook was the co-founder and head of the refugee and women’s charity MamaSuze.
The charity helps victims of forced displacement and gender-based violence “build a more positive future” using theatre and art workshops.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder and remains in hospital with non-critical “slash wounds”.
Officers are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Two children ages 9 and 7 have also been taken to hospital as a precaution but are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the gas explosion.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the local area, said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.
“Our officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder at the scene and will be conducting interviews as soon as possible, to establish the full circumstances that led to Annabel’s death.
“While enquiries continue, at this early stage we do believe this to be a domestic-related incident.
“We understand what happened will cause concern within the Hackney community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out the investigation.
“We are working closely alongside our partners at Hackney Council to help support those residents locally who have been impacted by this.”
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