Charity tribute to Annabel Rook killed in Stoke Newington

Tragedy struck the community in Stoke Newington yesterday (June 17) after news of a gas explosion at a house on Dumont Road at around 5am.

It later emerged that Annabel Rook, 46, was found dead with stab injuries following the explosion.

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.

In a heartbreaking message, the charity has shared this on its social media: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved MamaSuze co-founder Annabel Rook.  

“Annabel was a profound force for good in the world, dedicating her working life to supporting women survivors.

“She started MamaSuze to bring art, creativity and joy to women who had arrived in the UK fleeing violence and human trafficking, treating everyone she met with warmth and kindness.

“The entire MamaSuze community is in a state of profound shock and we ask for privacy and time to grieve and process the enormity of our loss.”

Annabel Rook was killed in what is believed to be a domestic-related incident (Image: Met Police) Many who knew Ms Rook have also express their shock in response to the news.

One person named Becky said: “She was a shining light of love in the world.”

Bola, a beneficiary for the charity said: “Annabel was a very friendly, a good listener with a shoulder to carry on, nice, caring and always willing to help, this news hit me so bad.”

Another woman, Victoria, said: “I met Annabel many years ago when we were both setting out and she was a force of nature. All the good work she carried out will live on in MamaSuze.”

Jenna, another person who knew Ms Rook called her a “beautiful soul” and said the death is a “colossal loss”.

Domestic-related incident

Police believe that the attack was a domestic-related incident, and officers are currently not 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.

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 the scene (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.”