Stoke Newington gas explosion triggered 'mini-earthquake', murder trial hears

A man accused of murdering his partner, triggering a gas explosion which caused a "mini-earthquake", a court has heard.

Clifton George, 45, has admitted killing Annabel Rook at their home in north east London and arson, but denies murder on the grounds of "loss of control".

The jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court has been shown the aftermath of a blast at the property in Stoke Newington last June, which the prosecution alleges was caused when George set a gas canister alight in the basement.

Images show that floorboards were torn through, windows were shattered, and the roof of the kitchen extension was blown off.

Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said: "The basement, where the explosion was, is directly underneath the living room, where Annabel Rook's body was lying.

"The force of the blast lifted the floorboards, shifted the furniture, and caused significant damage to the property and to the house next door. It also made an almighty bang."

He added that neighbours in Dumont Road were woken by a large explosion which they described as feeling like a "mini-earthquake which shook the house".

The neighbours saw that their adjoining walls had been cracked, there was damage to the brickwork and tiles were broken in their bathroom.

The prosecution claims George was "angry" during a row with Ms Rook, 46, when he punched and strangled her, before inflicting 22 knife wounds, including one to her heart.

It is believed she had been dead for several hours when the explosion happened, and George told police he attempted to take his own life after the stabbing, which led to him passing out.

Read more from Sky News:
Second boy charged with London murder
Arrest over Morgan McSweeney's phone theft
Paul Hollywood's 96mph 'sick cat' dash

Jurors have heard the couple, who were not married but lived together, were suffering from a deteriorating relationship, and Ms Rook had told George that she wanted him to move out as part of a trial separation.

The prosecution added: "He lost his temper, and in his rage… he murdered Annabel."

When police arrived, George was found in the garden attempting to stab himself with a shard of glass, the court heard.

The trial continues.

(c) Sky News 2026: Stoke Newington gas explosion triggered 'mini-earthquake', murder trial hears