Clifton George, 45, is on trial accused of fatally harming his partner and then triggering a gas explosion at their home in Stoke Newington, north-east London, last summer. Prosecutors allege that during an argument at the couple’s address on 17 June 2025, George murdered 46-year-old Annabel Rook. The Mirror and The Guardian report that George later caused or triggered an explosion at the property.
The Guardian says the court hears that Rook was stabbed at least 22 times, and that George admits manslaughter but denies murder. Both outlets describe the explosion as “enormous” and link it to the same timeframe and location as the stabbing.
The case centres on whether George intended to kill his partner when the argument escalated, and the circumstances in which the gas explosion occurred after the killing. The court proceedings are ongoing.
