Annabel Rook dies in fatal Stoke Newington stabbing and house explosion
Annabel Rook dies in fatal Stoke Newington stabbing and house explosion
Fatal Stoke Newington stabbing and house explosion death of Annabel Rook
Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old human rights lawyer and mother of two, was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington on the morning of Tuesday, June 17, following a reported explosion and fatal stabbing.
Emergency services were called to the two-storey terraced house just before 5am, where they discovered extensive damage caused by a blast that affected the basement and ground floor. Rook’s body was located inside the property with stab wounds, according to reports.
Authorities responded with a large emergency presence, including 40 firefighters and six fire engines working to manage the aftermath of the explosion. A 44-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of murder. He had slash injuries and was transported to a trauma center in London, though his condition was not considered life-threatening.
Neighbors described Rook as a kind and devoted mother. One local resident shared memories of seeing her walk her children to the nearby school and recalled her moving into the home around seven years ago. Another community member said the news had left the area shocked and saddened.
Two children, ages nine and seven, were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Authorities believe they were not inside the home when the incident occurred.
Investigators from the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion. One neighbor said they were jolted awake by the loud noise, while another noted the absence of any gas smell or visible flames, suggesting the fire might have started in the basement after the explosion.
Local residents described the damage to the home’s front and reported being temporarily displaced due to safety concerns. One woman noted that many in the area first learned of the situation through news coverage early that morning.
Officials have confirmed that the road closures remain in place, affecting traffic along Stoke Newington Church Street from the A10 to Defoe Road, with Kersley Road fully closed. Crews from nearby fire stations in Stoke Newington, Islington, Homerton, and Holloway were involved in the response.