The former human rights lawyer was a ‘truly wonderful woman’
The family of woman who was found stabbed to death inside a terraced house after it exploded, have paid their tribute to her as they mourn the loss of a “beautiful daughter, sister, friend and mother.”
Annabel Rook, a 46-year-old mother of two was found inside a property in Stoke Newington, north-east London with knife wounds. She used to work as a human right lawyer. A part of the the basement and a small part of the ground floor of two storey house were destroyed, according to the fire service, and nearly 40 firefighters responded to the incident.
Officers from the Metropolitan police responded to a call at 4.57 am on Tuesday June, 17 to reports of a gas explosion, and a person trapped within the building.
The incident was attended by London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade, alongside the police force. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
After Annabel was found inside the property with stab wounds, and despite effort by paramedics she was tragically declared dead at the scene.
In a statement, Annabel’s family has said that she was a “truly wonderful woman” who “touched the hearts of many”.
They add that she had dedicated her life to helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged from Africa to London.
The family’s statement read: “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.”
A 44-year-old man had been arrested at the address on the suspicion of murder, and was later discharged and released into police custody.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command.
The force has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, if they wish to remain anonymous.
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