Human remains discovered in shrubland in Feltham, west London, have been formally identified as those of Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three from Southampton who had been missing for more than six years, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. A 56-year-old man from Southampton has since been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in custody.
Discovery and identification
The remains were found by Metropolitan Police officers on August 12 after apparent wildfires in the area uncovered bones, as previously reported by MyLondon. Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, detectives confirmed the remains belong to Joanne Sheen. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Joanne, who was 44 at the time, was last seen in Southampton in December 2019. Her disappearance prompted a major police investigation that has continued for over six years, involving more than 4,000 lines of enquiry, over 300 statements, and detailed searches of more than 10 addresses and numerous water vessels. Specialist teams have also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton.
Arrest and murder investigation
Joanne's death is being treated as murder, with detectives working alongside the Metropolitan Police to establish what happened to her and how she came to be in Feltham. The 56-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder remains in custody while enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, described the identification as a "significant development" in the investigation, providing detectives with new lines of enquiry. He praised Joanne's family for showing "tremendous strength and dignity" throughout the investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Appeal for information
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who knew about Joanne's movements in Southampton and the surrounding area in late 2019, as well as anyone with information about her movements in London, particularly around Feltham and Hounslow. They are also seeking information that could help establish how Joanne came to be in Feltham.
Crimestoppers has reinstated a £20,000 reward for information relating to the investigation. Beth Simpson, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said Joanne's family "deserve to know the truth about what happened" and urged anyone unable to contact police directly to share information anonymously through the charity.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Blackboard or reference 44200068330, or report information online through the police public portal. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website. The reward of up to £20,000 is available for information exclusively received by Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest of those responsible for Joanne's murder, and is due to expire on December 17, 2026.
