Charity co founded by woman fatally stabbed in Hackney pays tribute
Annabel Rook was found dead in Stoke Newington on Tuesday
Last updated 18th Jun 2025
The charity co founded by a north east London, fatally stabbed on Tuesday has paid tribute to her.
Annabel Rook, 46, was found fatally injured at a house in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, north-east London, just before 5am on Tuesday.
MamaSuze CIC, supports refugee and migrant women, some who had fled domestic violence, with art and drama activities.
In a statement posted on social media, MamaSuze said the organisation was "devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder", adding that she treated everyone with "warmth and kindness".
"Annabel was a profound force for good in the world, dedicating her working life to supporting women survivors," the statement read.
"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."
Man arrested
A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and was been taken to hospital to be treated for slash wounds.
Police said it is believed Ms Rook's death is "a domestic-related incident".
Two children aged seven and nine were also taken to hospital as a precaution but are not thought to have been inside the home when the explosion happened.
Neighbours described the noise as the explosion tore through the house.
Screams and shouting
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.
"We quickly established that the children got out, that there'd been marital strife.
"My daughter babysat for her and we would chat to her as a neighbour. It's a massive tragedy for the street."
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.
"There was a guy rushing around, very distraught. He went round the back."
Huge emergency response
Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were called to the scene early on Tuesday, where road closures remain in place.
The house, a terrace on the corner of Dumont Road, was surrounded by police, firefighters and gas workers later in the morning.
The front bay window was completely blown out, with debris including plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke 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 inquiries continue, at this early stage we do believe this to be a domestic-related incident."
According to her LinkedIn page, Ms Rook had worked for charities in Africa, then teaching drama in the UK and on various theatre projects.
Matteo Prodava, a 35-year-old production designer who lives across from the house, said: "You hear these things that happen in the world, but when it happens on the next street, it has a different impact."
Another resident in Kersley Road, near Dumont Road - who did not want to be named - said she was in shock.
She said: "That is so sad. I just want to cry. I have never heard of something like this happening here. I am just in shock.
"I feel sorry for the kids - what sort of news is this? We just thought we couldn't move the cars and there's been a gas explosion.
"Now, I don't know what to say."
Mayor of Hackney statement
In a joint statement, the mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, and councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services in the borough, said their "hearts go out" to Ms Rook's family and friends and thanked the emergency services for their response.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.