'It's an absolutely crazy case, I'd expect to see this on TV and not in my neighbourhood.' That was how one resident in Normanton described a police murder investigation that was launched 15 years after a woman disappeared and was never found.
Izabela Helena Zablocka, originally from Poland, moved to the Normanton area back in 2009. But her family lost contact with her a year later and Ms Zablocka has not been seen since.
However, the case has been cracked wide open again after new information recently came to light - and senior detectives have launched a murder inquiry. Three people, two women aged 39 and a man aged 41, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
Detectives are appealing for any information relating to Ms Zablocka's time in Derby, in particular around August 2010. Police have also re-shared two photos of Ms Zablocka in the hope that someone may recognise her and come forward.
On Wednesday (May 28), several police vehicles were spotted stationed in Princes Street in the Derby suburb. A number of officers and a police dog unit were all seen on the street at midday.
People in the local community have been rocked by the news and described a feeling of unease and concern in the area. "It's an absolutely crazy case, I'd expect to see this on TV and not in my neighbourhood," said one Normanton resident.
The 56-year-old, who asked not to be named, added: "I feel quite uneasy thinking this happened here, and that the information only came to light after 15 years. I hope her family can get closure from this investigation and the people responsible will be brought to justice."
Another local resident, a 31-year-old woman, who lives near the Arboretum, said: "It feels like a sad day for the area. I think this case will shake our community up quite a bit."
A resident of Stanton Street, Normanton, who asked to remain anonymous, said the case would "haunt Normanton for a long time". "It's horrifying that this went undetected for so long. I feel terrible for the woman's family," he said. "What a truly awful thing to happen. I hope the police can trace enough information to draw a close to this soon."
Ms Zablocka is understood to have worked at the former Cranberry Foods chicken and turkey factory in Scropton. Her family reportedly lost touch with her in August 2010 and, whilst they attempted to trace her, a missing person report was never filed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 92 of May 24, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
