Second man arrested and bailed over Southampton mother's remains found in Feltham

Human remains found in Feltham, south-west London, on August 12 have been identified as Joanne Sheen, a mother from Southampton who disappeared nearly seven years ago. A second man has been arrested and bailed in connection with her death.

Ms Sheen, 44, was last seen in December 2019 and reported missing by her family two months later. The discovery of her remains was made in an area of shrubland known as The Pits, near Padstow Walk, after a wildfire exposed them.

Investigation and Arrests

Following forensic examination and DNA testing, the remains were confirmed to be Ms Sheen. A 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and subsequently on suspicion of murder. He was released on conditional bail the day after his arrest, pending further inquiries, according to a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Hampshire Police have undertaken more than 4,000 lines of inquiry. This includes taking over 300 statements, conducting searches at more than 10 addresses, and examining multiple vessels. Specialist teams have also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ms Sheen had been travelling from Fareham to Southampton when she was last seen. A fundraiser organised by her friend, Rachel Roussel, has raised nearly £3,500 to help cover funeral costs. Police have renewed their appeal for anyone with information to come forward.