Man in court charged with murder of partner found stabbed after house explosion

Annabel Rook,a human rights lawyer,died inside her home after being stabbed (Picture: PA)

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a ‘truly wonderful’ mum found with stab wounds after a gas explosion at her home.

Annabel Rook,46,died at her terrace house in Hackney,north London.

Emergency services rushed to the property at 4.57am on Tuesday,June 17,following reports of an explosion,

The human rights lawyer was sadly declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Annabel,co-founded a charity for helping survivors gender-based violence and set up refugee camps in Africa

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.’

Acting DCS Brittany Clarke said her force’s thoughts remain with the Rook family.

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She said: ‘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.’

Annabel’s two children,aged seven and nine,were not thought to be in the house at the time and are unharmed.

Her devastated family said they were ‘struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy’.

Floral tributes left near Annabel’s home on Dumont Road in Hackney (Picture: Tom Bowles)

They added: ‘We have lost our beautiful daughter,sister,friend and mother. 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.’

George was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on June 25.