03-06-2025
Police scour garden after body is found in hunt for missing Polish factory worker Izabela Zablocka
Police are scouring the garden of a house where they uncovered human remains in the hunt for a Polish woman who vanished 15 years ago.
A major operation is taking place within an address on Princes Street in Normanton following the harrowing discovery last night as part of an investigation into the case of missing Izabela Zablocka.
Police and forensics have been scouring the property since last week after new information came to light in connection with the then 30-year-old's disappearance.
Izabela, who moved to Britain in 2009, lived on Princes Street and worked at the former Cranberry Foods Turkey and Chicken Factory in nearby Scropton.
She last made contact with her family in Poland on August 28, 2010 and despite their efforts to trace her, she was never found.
Formal identification of the remains are yet to take place, but detectives believe they belong to Izabela.
A 39-year-old woman who was arrested and bailed on Tuesday was also rearrested last night.
Two other women – one aged 39 and one aged 43 – and a 41-year-old man were arrested in connection with the investigation over the course of the last week. They remain on police bail pending further inquiries.
Images from earlier today show a large police presence outside the property on Princes Street where police are conducting searches.
Aerial shots also show two blue forensics tents erected in the garden of the house, with forensics workers and a digger also seen on site.
Detective Inspector Kane Martin, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Izabela's family are at the forefront of our minds following this discovery and, whilst formal identification has not yet taken place, it is our belief that these remains do belong to Izabela.
'As such, we have spoken with Izabela's family in Poland, and they are aware. Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
'Identification of the remains is likely to be a lengthy process, but we will issue updates when we are able.
'I know that reports of these findings will send shockwaves through the local community, and I understand the concern of residents.
'Officers will remain in Princes Street in the coming days, and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with them.
'A dedicated team of detectives are continuing to piece together information about the days prior to Izabela's death.
'Izabela had friends in Derby, socialised in Derby, and worked in Derby.
'We know that someone out there will have information about Izabela that may help us understand what happened to her, and urge anyone who saw, spoke to, or heard anything about Izabela in July or August 2010 to come forward.
'You may hold the key piece of information that we need to understand the full circumstances of Izabela's disappearance, and to give her family answers on what happened to their loved one.
'Anyone who does wish to make contact, can do so completely anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers who are offering a £20,000 reward for any information which leads to the conviction of someone in the case of Izabela.'
