A man fatally stabbed his partner and then triggered a gas explosion at their north-east London home last summer, a court has heard. Clifton George, 45, is accused of murdering 46-year-old Annabel Rook during an argument at their home in Stoke Newington on July 12, 2025.
The Old Bailey was told that after the stabbing, George intentionally caused a gas explosion that destroyed the property and damaged nearby homes. Neighbors reported hearing a loud blast and seeing flames. Emergency services found Rook's body inside the wreckage.
George was arrested at the scene with injuries and later charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial is ongoing.
