Annabel Rook killed in Stoke Newington 'domestic incident'

Annabel Rook, 46, has been named as the victim killed in a stabbing following a gas explosion at a house on Dumont Road around 5am this morning (June 17).

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.

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Officers investigating believe that the attack was a domestic-related incident, and they are not currently looking for anyone else connected with the incident after the arrest of a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

He currently remains in hospital with slash wound injuries, his condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.

Annabel Rook has died (Image: Met Police) Ms Rook was described as “amazing” and “so strong” and someone who built confidence, according to a woman who fled a highly abusive relationship with her husband’s family.

The charity boss has previously said that since MamaSuze partnered with Hackney Migrant Centre, “many participants returned every month” as they supported hundreds of people.

It is understood that she is also the mother of two children.

Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Two children, aged nine and seven, 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.

Forensics at Stoke Newington (Image: Yui Mok/PA) 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.”