Charity Co-Founder Fatally Stabbed in North London Home; Murder Charge Filed
Published 22 June 2025
Highlights
- Annabel Rook, 46, was found fatally stabbed in her Stoke Newington home following a gas explosion on Tuesday morning.
- Clifton George, 44, has been charged with her murder; police believe the incident was domestic-related.
- Rook co-founded MamaSuze, a charity supporting refugee and migrant women, and was praised for her dedication to vulnerable communities.
- Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to hospital as a precaution but were not inside during the explosion.
- The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation, urging the public to respect the family's privacy.
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Rewritten Article
Charity Co-Founder Fatally Stabbed in North London Home; Murder Charge Filed
Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old charity co-founder, was tragically found stabbed to death in her Stoke Newington home following a gas explosion early Tuesday morning. The Metropolitan Police have charged Clifton George, 44, with her murder, describing the incident as domestic-related.
Rook, a well-respected community worker, dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women through MamaSuze, a charity she co-founded to aid refugee and migrant women. Her family, in a statement issued through the police, expressed their profound grief, describing her as a "beautiful daughter, sister, friend, and mother" who "touched the hearts of so many."
The incident unfolded at a property on Dumont Road just before 5 a.m. Paramedics were unable to save Rook, who was found with stab wounds. The explosion blew out the front bay window, scattering debris across the street. Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to the hospital as a precaution but were not believed to have been inside at the time.
MamaSuze, in a heartfelt tribute, described Rook as a "profound force for good," highlighting her warmth and kindness. John Martin, artistic director of Pan Intercultural Arts, where Rook worked for 16 years, praised her boundless optimism and dedication to helping women escape violence.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke urged the public to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, thanking the Hackney community for their support. The investigation continues as police seek to piece together the events leading to this tragic loss.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely remain on understanding the circumstances surrounding Annabel Rook's death. The charge against Clifton George suggests a domestic violence angle, which could prompt further discussions on the support systems available for victims. Legal proceedings will follow, potentially shedding more light on the case's intricacies. Meanwhile, Rook's legacy through MamaSuze may inspire renewed efforts to support vulnerable communities, highlighting the ongoing need for resources and advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence.
Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old charity co-founder, was tragically found stabbed to death in her Stoke Newington home following a gas explosion early Tuesday morning. The Metropolitan Police have charged Clifton George, 44, with her murder, describing the incident as domestic-related.
Rook, a well-respected community worker, dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women through MamaSuze, a charity she co-founded to aid refugee and migrant women. Her family, in a statement issued through the police, expressed their profound grief, describing her as a "beautiful daughter, sister, friend, and mother" who "touched the hearts of so many."
The incident unfolded at a property on Dumont Road just before 5 a.m. Paramedics were unable to save Rook, who was found with stab wounds. The explosion blew out the front bay window, scattering debris across the street. Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to the hospital as a precaution but were not believed to have been inside at the time.
MamaSuze, in a heartfelt tribute, described Rook as a "profound force for good," highlighting her warmth and kindness. John Martin, artistic director of Pan Intercultural Arts, where Rook worked for 16 years, praised her boundless optimism and dedication to helping women escape violence.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke urged the public to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, thanking the Hackney community for their support. The investigation continues as police seek to piece together the events leading to this tragic loss.
What this might mean
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely remain on understanding the circumstances surrounding Annabel Rook's death. The charge against Clifton George suggests a domestic violence angle, which could prompt further discussions on the support systems available for victims. Legal proceedings will follow, potentially shedding more light on the case's intricacies. Meanwhile, Rook's legacy through MamaSuze may inspire renewed efforts to support vulnerable communities, highlighting the ongoing need for resources and advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence.









