Annabel Rook death: Man charged with murder of woman found stabbed after gas explosion

A man has been charged with the murder of a 46-year-old woman found stabbed following a gas explosion at a house in London.

Clifton George, 44, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday, where he spoke only to confirm his personal details.

He has also been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said.

Charity worker Annabel Rook was found fatally injured at a property in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, northeast London, just before 5am on Tuesday.

Two children, aged seven and nine, were taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident.

They are not thought to have been inside the home when the explosion happened.

In a statement following her death, Ms Rook's family said they were "struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy".

"We have lost our beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother. Annabel was a truly wonderful woman," the tribute read.

"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."

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The refugee and women's organisation MamaSuze is an arts-based unit, which Ms Rook co-founded.

Prosecutor Cathryn Evans repeated the organisation's tribute, describing her as 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," she added.

George, of Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on 25 June.

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