Feltham wildfire remains identified as missing mother Joanne Sheen

Human remains discovered in woodland in Feltham after a wildfire have been identified as Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three who disappeared nearly seven years ago. The Metropolitan Police were called on the evening of August 12 after bones were found near Padstow Walk following a blaze in the area.

Ms Sheen, 44, was last seen on December 5, 2019, when she travelled from Fareham, Hampshire, heading to her home city of Southampton. Her family reported her missing in February 2020.

Murder Investigation Launched

Detectives initially launched a murder probe. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have now taken over the investigation after the remains were identified through forensic examination and DNA testing. A 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated that the investigation has generated more than 4,000 lines of inquiry, with over 300 statements taken and detailed searches conducted at numerous addresses and on vessels. Specialist teams have also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton. The investigation is being conducted in close collaboration with the Metropolitan Police to establish the full circumstances of Ms Sheen's death, which is being treated as murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the major crime team, described the development as significant for the long and complex investigation.