Woman found dead following house explosion, named
The 46 year old died early this morning
A woman found stabbed after a gas explosion at her home has been named as a charity worker who supported refugees.
46 year old Annabel Rook, was found fatally injured at a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, north-east London, just before 5am on Tuesday.
She worked for a charity that she co-founded called Mama Suze CIC, that supported refugee and migrant women, some who had fled domestic violence, with art and drama activities.
A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and has been taken to hospital to be treated for slash wounds.
Police said it is believed Ms Rook's death is "a domestic-related incident".
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.”
The man arrested was taken to hospital with slash wounds where he currently remains. His condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.
Two children, aged nine and seven, were 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.
Neighbours described the noise as the explosion tore through the house.
Teacher Alun Gordon said: "We just woke up to a massive bang ... my whole house shook, it felt like a truck had hit the house.
"I then heard screams, someone shouting 'oh my God' several times, so I came outside and basically all the neighbours appeared in their pyjamas.
A resident on Dumont Road said he heard a crash "like somebody dropped a massive glass cabinet from a crane".
The man, who did not want to be named, added: "I looked out and saw panes of glass on the floor. You could tell it wasn't a car window.
"Eventually I noticed the beam on the bay window was missing and could see some mild smoke coming out of the back.
"People starting arriving and saying to phone the police.
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