Police launch murder probe after stabbing and gas explosion in Stoke Newington

The victim has been named as charity founder Annabel Rook. Photograph: courtesy Met Police
Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman was found stabbed this morning after a gas explosion at a home in Stoke Newington.
The victim has been named as charity co-founder Annabel Rook, 46, who died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, with officers not looking for anyone else in connection with what police believe was a “domestic-related incident”.
The suspect remains in hospital with slash wounds, with his condition not life-threatening.
Two children, aged nine and seven, were also taken to hospital as a precaution but are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the explosion.
Police were initially called at 4.57am to reports of an explosion and a person trapped inside an address on Dumont Road.
Paramedics and firefighters also attended the scene.
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.”
Annabel Rook worked for MamaSuze, a charity she co-founded that was focused on using art to help women and child refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
In a statement, the MamaSuze team said they were “devastated” by the loss: “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.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.