Norma Girolami had lived in Highgate for many years

REMAINS of a missing Highgate pensioner have been discovered in a churchyard.

Murder detectives who had been searching grounds of St Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Friern Barnet Lane, Finchley, say they have formally identified Norma Girolami, 70.

A £20,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of her body was offered in September – a year on from when she was reported missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn 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.

“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.

She added: “I would still be very keen to hear from anyone who knew Norma 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 between August and October last year.”

Ms Girolami, who had lived in Highgate for many years and was a parishioner at St Joseph’s Church in Highgate, was reported missing at the end of last summer.

Police later said they were treating the case as a murder investigation.

Her fridge had been left full of food, and she had not told friends and relatives of any specific plans to go away.

Her last known movements was a day trip to Leigh-on-Sea in Essex by train.

In the new appeal this autumn, Pia Graham, her cousin, said: “Our connection to Norma has suddenly been severed. No more cheery emails or funny texts 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.”

DCI Blackburn said: “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.”

One man has been charged with murder and awaits trial.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org