**Woman Found Dead After Hackney Gas Explosion: Man Arrested on Suspicion of Murder**
Emergency services descended on a residential street in Hackney in the early hours of Tuesday morning following reports of a major gas explosion and a serious incident. The unsettling sequence of events unfolded at a property on Dumont Road, prompting swift intervention by Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.
Inside the home, 46-year-old Annabel Rook was discovered with fatal stab wounds. Despite prompt and considerable efforts from paramedics at the scene, Ms Rook could not be saved and was pronounced dead in the property. The incident has left the local community shocked and seeking answers, with police promising a full and thorough investigation.
Police announced that a 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. This individual is also receiving treatment in hospital for slash injuries, which authorities have confirmed are neither life-threatening nor life-changing. At the present time, investigators have stated they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident—a point which appears to confirm suspicions that this was a domestic incident rather than a wider threat to the public.
Emergency services were first alerted to the situation at 4:57am when a report was made about a person being trapped in the house. Responders were met with a complex scene involving not only the aftermath of a gas explosion but evidence of a violent attack. Two children, aged nine and seven, were also assessed by medical professionals as a precaution. However, it is believed neither child was inside the property at the time of the explosion.
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, the local area’s leading police officer, expressed her condolences, stating: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.” She added that a man had been arrested and would be interviewed as soon as possible to help establish the events that led to the death of Annabel Rook. “At this early stage, we do believe this to be a domestic-related incident,” she noted, acknowledging the concern that such events can generate within the local community.
The police presence in Hackney is expected to be heightened in the coming days as forensic officers maintain a cordon around the property and investigators seek to understand how the events unfolded. According to Detective Chief Superintendent Clarke, the force is working closely with Hackney Council to support affected residents, providing both reassurance and practical assistance.
While police remain tight-lipped about specific details relating to the cause of the explosion and the motives behind the stabbing, it is clear this is being treated as a contained domestic incident. Authorities have reassured residents that there is no ongoing risk to the wider public, but they have encouraged anyone feeling anxious to reach out to police officers or community support services that will be visible in the area.
The tragic loss of Annabel Rook marks another sombre chapter for the Hackney community, and highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence across the UK. Support services remain available for anyone affected by the incident, while detectives continue their efforts to piece together a full timeline of events.
Neighbours expressed their shock at the news, describing Ms Rook as a valued member of the community. The investigation remains ongoing, and police ask anyone with information to come forward to assist with their enquiries. In the meantime, the community of Dumont Road stands together, united in its grief and determination to cope with the impact of Tuesday’s devastating events.