Police have discovered human remains in a church graveyard in the search for a woman who suddenly disappeared last year. Norma Girolami, 70, went missing from her London flat in mid-August and officials launched a murder probe two months later.
The 70-year-old seemingly vanished from her home in Highgate and didn't return despite leaving food in her fridge. She was last seen on August 9 2021, making a trip to Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, where she regularly enjoyed visiting.
Norma was seen taking the train from Barking and returned to London later that day, but all communication from her stopped that evening. It had previously been reported that the 70-year-old, who lived alone and had no children, had taken out a £35,000 loan after going missing, reports the Mirror.
In the latest development in the case, remains were found earlier this week after a churchyard was searched in North London. Norma's family who were 'distraught' over her disappearance have been made aware of the chilling discovery.
The Met Police's Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn says despite 'accepting' that she was dead the family are still troubled by the development. Blackburn continued to state that although the remains have been discovered the police are still looking for further information on the case from anyone who knew Norma.
She said: "Despite accepting that Norma was no longer alive, I know that her family are deeply affected by the news that her remains have been found. Our thoughts are very much with them.
“My team has spent more than a year searching for Norma and there is a sense of relief that we have found her remains which will undergo forensic examination in due course
“Despite this discovery, I would still be very keen to hear from anyone who knew Norma, either in London or at Leigh on Sea who can provide information on anything that was happening in her life in August last year.
"I am also appealing for anyone who saw any activity around the Churchyard in Firern Barnet Lane, N20 between August and October last year.
“Norma’s family and friends have endured a year of not knowing what had happened to her and our investigation remains ongoing. If you have any information, no matter how small a detail it may seem, please do get in touch.”
Anyone with information on Norma Girolami's disappearance should call the police on 101. However, if you prefer not to speak to the police, then you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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