Human bones discovered last month in south-west London following a wildfire have been formally identified as those of Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three who disappeared nearly seven years ago.
Metropolitan Police officers were initially called to woodland near Padstow Walk in Feltham on 12 August, where the remains were uncovered after a fire swept through the area. Following the identification, detectives in London have transferred the investigation to Hampshire Police.
Sheen was 44 years old when she was last seen on 5 December 2019, travelling alongside a friend from Fareham to Southampton. Her disappearance sparked a major police investigation, which the force described as “long and complex.”
Authorities confirmed that a 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody.
Det Ch Insp Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, said: “While this tragic discovery is not the outcome Joanne’s family, or any of us, had hoped for, we hope the identification of her remains can at least begin to provide some answers after many years of uncertainty.” He praised the family’s immense strength and dignity, adding that officers remain fully committed to finding out what happened to Sheen and holding those responsible to account.
Investigators are still appealing to the public for any information related to her disappearance. To assist with the inquiry, the charity Crimestoppers has reinstated a reward of %20,000 for information that helps progress the case. The report also notes that throughout this investigation, Joanne’s family have shown tremendous strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.
