Norma Girolami: Remains of missing 70-year-old from Highgate found in north London churchyard | UK News

Detectives investigating the murder of a 70-year-old woman have discovered her remains in a north London churchyard – almost 15 months after she went missing.

Norma Girolami, from Highgate, north London, was last seen alive on 19 August 2021 – the same day she took a trip to Leigh-on-Sea in Essex.

She travelled by train to the seaside town from Barking, returning to London later that same day – and had not been heard from since.

A murder investigation was launched in October last year.

On Friday, the Metropolitan Police said detectives investigating her murder recovered human remains at Friern Barnet Lane in North Finchley, Barnet, on Tuesday.

The remains have been formally identified as being that of Norma Girolami, the force said.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said the investigation into her disappearance is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact police.

“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,” she said.

“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 Friern Barnet Lane, N20, between August and October last year.”

She added: “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 can call police on 101, or contact them @MetCC, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.