A 56-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder
Human remains found in a west London park have been formally identified as those of missing mum-of-three, police have confirmed.
The remains of Joanne Sheen, from Southampton, were discovered by Metropolitan Police officers in shrubland in Feltham, west London, on August 12. MyLondon previously reported that police were investigating in the area after apparent wildfires uncovered bones in August.
Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, detectives have now confirmed the remains belong to Joanne. 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 which has continued for more than six years.
Police said the investigation has involved more than 4,000 lines of enquiry, more than 300 statements and detailed searches of more than 10 addresses and numerous water vessels. Specialist teams have also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton.
A 56-year-old man from Southampton has now been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in custody while enquiries continue.
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.
Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, said the identification was a “significant development” in the investigation and had provided detectives with new lines of enquiry.
He said Joanne’s family had shown “tremendous strength and dignity” during the investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
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”.
She urged anyone who was 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. The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on December 17, 2026.
