Tributes Paid to Humanitarian Mother Fatally Stabbed Before London Home Explosion

The family of Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old mother and respected humanitarian, has paid tribute to her after she was found fatally stabbed in her north London home shortly before a gas explosion. The incident occurred on Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, at approximately 05:00 BST on Tuesday and has prompted a full-scale murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Emergency services arrived to find Ms Rook critically injured. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged and transferred to police custody, according to a Met Police spokesperson.

Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Authorities believe the children were not inside the property at the time of the explosion and have since been placed under appropriate care and support.

Ms Rook was the co-founder of MamaSuze, a London-based social enterprise that provides therapeutic art and drama programmes for refugee and migrant women, particularly those who have experienced domestic and gender-based violence. Her family described her as “a beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother,” and noted her lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes, both locally and internationally.

In a statement issued via the Metropolitan Police, the family said: “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 in refugee camps in Africa or through her work at MamaSuze in London.”

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ms Rook’s death. Det Ch Supt Brittany Clarke called the case “extremely tragic” and extended condolences to Ms Rook’s family, friends, and the community impacted by her loss.