HUMAN REMAINS IDENTIFIED AS MOTHER OF THREE MISSING SINCE 2019
Human remains discovered in woodland in Feltham, west London, have been identified as Joanne Sheen, a mother of three who had been missing since December 2019. A 56 year old Southampton man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder as police continue investigating her death.
Human remains discovered in woodland in west London following a fire have been formally identified as those of Joanne Sheen, a mother of three who disappeared nearly seven years ago.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed on Thursday that forensic examination and DNA testing established that the remains belonged to Sheen, who was 44 when she was last seen in December 2019.
A 56 year old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody as detectives continue their investigation. Police said Sheen's death is being treated as murder.
REMAINS DISCOVERED AFTER FIRE
The discovery was made on August 12 after Metropolitan Police officers were called to an area of shrubland near Padstow Walk in Feltham, west London.
Bones were discovered after the area had been affected by a fire the previous week, prompting a forensic investigation to determine the identity of the deceased.
Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, investigators confirmed the remains were those of Sheen.
Her family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
MISSING FOR NEARLY SEVEN YEARS
Sheen was last seen on December 5, 2019, when she travelled from Fareham back towards Southampton with a friend.
Her family reported her missing in February 2020 after they had not heard from her for several months.
Her disappearance triggered what police have described as a long and complex investigation.
Detectives have pursued more than 4,000 lines of inquiry, taken more than 300 statements and conducted detailed searches at more than 10 addresses.
Specialist teams also searched waterways, woodland and numerous vessels around Southampton while attempting to establish what happened to her.
MAN ARRESTED AS MURDER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Following the identification of Sheen's remains, Hampshire Police arrested a 56 year old Southampton man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
The identification has provided investigators with new lines of inquiry as Hampshire detectives work alongside the Metropolitan Police to establish how Sheen came to be in Feltham and what happened following her disappearance.
No criminal responsibility has been established and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police are appealing for information about Sheen's movements around Southampton in late 2019 as well as any information about how she may have travelled to London, particularly the Feltham and Hounslow areas.
Independent charity Crimestoppers has also reinstated a reward of up to £20,000 for information received directly by the organisation that leads to the arrest of those responsible for Sheen's murder. The reward is available until December 17, 2026.
