The family of a woman found stabbed after a gas explosion at her north London home have paid tribute to her as someone who 'gave her life to helping the vulnerable'. Annabel Rook, 46, was discovered with stab wounds at a property in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, shortly before 5am on Tuesday. Paramedics were unable to revive her at the scene.
Rook co-founded the charity MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women, many of whom have fled domestic violence, through art and drama activities. In a statement released via the Metropolitan Police, her family described her as a 'beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother' who 'touched the hearts of so many'. They added: '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.'
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital and later discharged into police custody. Police believe the incident was domestic-related. The explosion blew out the front bay window of the property, scattering debris across the street. Two children aged seven and nine were taken to hospital as a precaution but are not thought to have been inside the home at the time.
John Martin, artistic director of Pan Intercultural Arts where Rook worked for 16 years, described her as a 'larger-than-life character' with 'boundless optimism'. He said: 'She spent her life fighting for women who had been abused, fighting against violence to women.' MamaSuze said in a statement that it was 'devastated by the loss of our beloved co-founder', adding that she was 'a profound force for good in the world'.
