A London man has been convicted of murdering his longtime partner in a horrifying attack before causing an explosion that ripped through her home.
Clifton George, 44, of Hackney, London, was found guilty of murdering 46-year-old Annabel Rook, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
George had previously admitted to manslaughter and arson, but denied murder. Prosecutors said the evidence showed he intended to kill Rook after a violent assault inside her home.
The tragedy unfolded on June 17, 2025, when emergency crews responded to reports of an explosion at a residence at around 5 a.m. local time.
When first responders arrived, they found Rook dead inside the property. George was discovered in the garden, bleeding heavily from his neck and arms while allegedly trying to stab himself.
Authorities said George admitted that Rook was inside the home and that he had killed her. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to the hospital.
Investigators later described a brutal attack that began after an argument between the couple escalated.
According to police, George repeatedly punched Rook and attempted to strangle her before stabbing her 22 times.
He then allegedly started a fire and set off a propane gas canister, triggering an explosion that shook the street and woke terrified neighbors.
As detectives dug deeper into the case, they found evidence that George had been abusive during the relationship.
Authorities said digital evidence, including notes written by Rook, showed that she had recently tried to leave the relationship. Prosecutors said that appeared to fuel George’s anger.
Phone messages, voice notes and witness statements presented in court also showed the relationship had been breaking down for some time.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Rook had told people that living with George felt like “walking on eggshells.”
George was convicted of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. His sentencing is scheduled for June 9.
Catherine Gould of the Crown Prosecution Service said Rook’s death was especially devastating because she was killed by someone she should have been able to trust.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Annabel Rook,” Gould said. “It is devastating that her life was taken in such a violent manner in her own home by someone she should have been able to trust.”
Gould also highlighted the heartbreaking irony of Rook’s life and work.
“She was a deeply caring and empathetic person who had set up a charity working with women traumatised by domestic and sexual abuse,” Gould said.
Prosecutors said George tried to minimize what happened by claiming he had lost control. But the CPS said the evidence showed he retrieved a knife and returned to continue the attack after assaulting Rook.
Rook’s father, Peter Rook, paid a moving tribute to his daughter, remembering her as a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend.
“Annabel was a truly wonderful woman,” he said. “One of the world’s life enhancers.”
He said above all, she was a devoted mother to her two sons.
“She was also a superb daughter, sister and, for so many, a close friend,” he said. “Ironically, she was at the height of her powers in her tireless work to help vulnerable women.”
Rook dedicated much of her life to helping others. Her father said she worked in refugee camps and schools and co-founded MamaSuze, a charity created to provide creativity and support for refugee women.
“She lived 46 altruistic years in which she gave so much to so many,” he said.
Her family said they do not want her life to be remembered only for the horror of her death.
“We know that it would have been Annabel’s wish that her life should not be defined by her tragic death, but by the rich legacy of love and support for the vulnerable,” her father said.
