Fresh appeal for missing Highgate woman

Officers investigating the disappearance of a 70-year-old woman have launched a fresh appeal for information. 

Norma Girolami, who lived in Highgate, was last seen in mid-August 2021. A murder investigation was launched in October 2021. Now, a reward of up to £20,000 is being offered for information leading to the location of her remains.

In a statement, the Met Police said that Norma regularly travelled to Brent Cross to do her shopping, using public transport to make her way there. She was also a member at Archway Leisure Centre.

On Thursday, 19th August 2021, Norma made a trip to Leigh-on-Sea, which she was known to visit. She took the train from Barking and returned to London later that day.

All communication from Norma stopped that evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who is leading the investigation, said: “Since 19 August 2021, there has been no communication from Norma and no proof, or indication, that she is still alive. For those reasons we have to conclude that there is sadly no doubt Norma is dead.

“Did you meet with Norma in London, at the leisure centre or in Leigh-On-Sea? You may have information that could help bring Norma’s family the answers that they so desperately need.

“We are aware of the possibility that her body may have been buried in a community space or a graveyard.

“Did you see anything unusual in the days following the 19 August 2021, perhaps involving a grey coloured Kia Niro car that we have appealed for previously?

“If you saw something that seemed odd to you, no matter how insignificant it may seem please do give us a call and share what you saw.”

Pia Graham, Norma’s cousin, said: “It is now a year since Norma went missing and there is still no sign of where she might be, even though the police have been working tirelessly to try to find her.

“A number of us in Norma’s family, and her friends, already challenged by daily life, whether it be due to poor health, getting older, or just difficult circumstances, have now had to face this bewildering and painful loss of a loved one who just seems to have vanished and apparently without any clue as to how this happened.

“Our connection to Norma has suddenly been severed. No more cheery emails or funny texts from her to brighten our days. No more carefully chosen cards to commemorate anniversaries, or uplifting messages – Norma certainly had a way with words. The person we all loved has just gone.

“And we do not feel we can even have a church service for Norma while she is still missing. The whole situation is heart breaking, as much as it is shocking.

“My cousin was a life affirming, loving, kind and thoughtful 70 year old lady who would never have left us in the lurch, and we can only imagine in nightmarish thoughts of what may have happened to her.

“So, please, please, as we have asked in the past, if you think you saw the woman in these photos on or around August 19-20 last year, and no matter how vague your recollection, get in touch with the police and let them know. Thank you”

Norma’s disappearance is being treated as a murder investigation. A man was charged with her murder in October 2021 and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.

To give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.