Human remains discovered in west london/">London have been formally identified as Joanne Sheen, a Hampshire mother-of-three who disappeared almost seven years ago. Joanne, who was 44 when she vanished, was last seen in December 2019 after travelling from Fareham to Southampton with a friend. Her disappearance triggered an extensive police investigation involving more than 4,000 lines of enquiry. Metropolitan Police officers discovered human remains in shrubland in Feltham, west London, on 12 August 2026. Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, the remains have now been confirmed as belonging to Joanne.
Man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed on Thursday, 17 September, that a 56-year-old man from Southampton had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remained in police custody while detectives continued their enquiries. Joanne’s death is being treated as murder. Five people were arrested during the murder investigation in 2020, but all were subsequently released with no further action taken.
Police appeal for answers after six-year investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, described the identification as a significant development. He said: “This is a significant development in what has been a long and complex investigation and provides us with several new lines of enquiry, which we are exploring with our dedicated team. “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.” The investigation has involved more than 300 witness statements, searches at more than 10 addresses and examinations of numerous water vessels. Detectives are particularly interested in information about Joanne’s movements around Southampton in late 2019 and any information concerning her presence in Feltham or Hounslow, including how she came to be there.
£20,000 reward reinstated
Crimestoppers has reinstated a £20,000 reward for information which helps the investigation. Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Blackboard or reference 44200068330. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation and no criminal charges have been brought against the 56-year-old man at this stage.
Originally published by UKNIP.
