The family of a woman who was found stabbed to death in Stoke Newington after a gas explosion, have paid tribute to a “beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother.”
Annabel Rook, 46, was found with stab wounds at a house in Dumont Road, in Hackney, just before 5am on Tuesday.
The mother-of-two had dedicated much of her life to supporting women who were survivors of gender-based violence and had worked tirelessly to support female migrants and child refugees for two decades.
She had co-founded the community group MamaSuze, which provides weekly art-based workshops for women to come together, be creative and boost their confidence.
Paying tribute to Annabel today, her family described her as a “truly wonderful woman,” who “touched the hearts of so many.”
They said in a statement: “The family are 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. 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.
"We would really appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.”
Emergency services were called just before 5am to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside the address in Stoke Newington.
Upon arrival, they found Annabel inside the property with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Part of the basement and ground floor were destroyed in the blast and subsequent blaze.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was later discharged and released into police custody.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.
Ms Rook’s colleagues and friends previously paid tribute to Annabel and said they had been left in a “state of profound shock” following her death.
In a statement on the MamaSuze website, they wrote: “Annabel was a shining light who dedicated her life to supporting others.
“She spent the last 20 years of her career bringing joy & creativity to marginalised people and she cared deeply about improving the lives of vulnerable women & children.
“Annabel lived every day with passion and purpose, believing that we must be the change we want to see in the world.
“We will all remember the joy, connection and dedication she radiated and try not to fall into despair, but continue her vital work and live our lives as she did.”
Coffee Afrik, an east London community organisation, explained it had hosted Ms Rook at one of its women’s hubs in Hackney.
“Annabel was a truly kind and gentle soul,” the group wrote on social media.
“So many organisations across Hackney Council will feel this loss today, MamaSuze is an incredible organisation. An incredible legacy.”
