Terrified neighbours describe glass flying everywhere and ‘searing heat’ as 40 firefighters battle blaze at terraced house on Dumont Road
A 46-year-old woman has been found stabbed to death inside a house following a gas explosion that shook residents from their beds and left a North London street looking “like a war zone.”
Police arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder after the victim was discovered with fatal stab wounds at the property on Dumont Road, Stoke Newington, at 4.51am this morning (Tuesday, June 17).
The suspect was taken to hospital with slash wounds where he remains under guard. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Two children, aged seven and nine, were rushed to hospital as a precaution but police confirmed they were not inside the property when the explosion occurred.
‘Glass Flying Everywhere’
Terrified neighbours described scenes of devastation as the blast ripped through the two-storey terraced house in the early hours.
One resident told Metro: “Then there was glass flying everywhere and searing heat. There was smoke coming out of the house it was like a war zone.
A family with two children live in the house. They seem lovely. The children are young. It was really horrifying.”
Another neighbour, 47, said: “There was a bang like a loud clap of thunder then all hell let loose. The emergency services were here in minutes. It was such a shock. The explosion was loud I feared for my family. A young family live there, it’s terrifying.
Mother ‘Flew Out of Bed’
A mother-of-three living nearby told Metro: “It was so loud a big blast then smoke and glass everywhere. We all ran out ready to help but the police were here very quickly.
She described how she “flew out of bed” after hearing the explosion that left plants, wooden shutters and glass scattered across the street.
One witness said the blast sounded “like somebody dropped a massive glass cabinet from a crane,” while another described “everybody on the street coming out in their pyjamas.
Massive Emergency Response
The London Fire Brigade deployed 40 firefighters and six fire engines to tackle the blaze, with crews from Stoke Newington, Holloway, Islington and Homerton stations racing to the scene.
Station Commander Darren McTernan said: “Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area for most of this morning while investigations into the cause of this incident are carried out.
It took fire crews an hour to bring the incident under control, with the Brigade first receiving 999 calls at 4.52am.
Victim Pronounced Dead at Scene
Despite the desperate efforts of paramedics, including London’s Air Ambulance, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a response car, an advanced paramedic practitioner, members of our hazardous area response team (HART) and London’s air ambulance.
Sadly, despite our best efforts, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Major Road Closures
The explosion has caused significant disruption with major road closures in place:
- Stoke Newington Church Street closed from the A10 junction to Defoe Road
- Kersley Road completely shut
- Additional police patrols in the area
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Murder Investigation Launched
The Metropolitan Police confirmed: “A woman aged 46 was found inside the property with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was sadly declared dead at the scene.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital with slash wounds where he currently remains. His condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.”
Police were originally called to reports of someone trapped inside the address following the gas explosion.
Community in Shock
The quiet residential street was transformed into a crime scene with a large cordon in place as forensic teams combed through the debris.
A resident who didn’t wish to be named said: “I looked out and saw panes of glass on the floor. You could tell it wasn’t a car window.
“Eventually I noticed the beam on the bay window was missing and could see some mild smoke coming out of the back.”
Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as they piece together the circumstances leading to the woman’s death.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation continues with additional officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the shocked community.
