Joanne Sheen remains found seven years after disappearance

Human remains believed to belong to Joanne Sheen have been discovered in Feltham, almost seven years after she was last seen. The discovery was made on August 12 near Padstow Walk, following a wildfire that affected shrubland close to Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

Ms Sheen, 44, was reported missing in December 2019. Metropolitan Police were called to the scene after members of the public found bones in an area known as The Pits. Initial assessments suggested the remains belonged to a woman aged between 25 and 45.

Murder Investigation Launched

A murder investigation was launched by the Metropolitan Police. However, control of the case has now been assumed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. On Thursday, a 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He has since been released on bail.

Rachel Roussel, a close friend of Ms Sheen, described the discovery as "absolutely devastating". Ms Roussel, who met Ms Sheen in 2003, told the Press Association that while the family had anticipated such a find, "nothing could prepare you for that, nothing at all."

Ms Sheen, who was known as "Little Jo", was a mother of three. Ms Roussel noted the prolonged uncertainty had been particularly difficult for Ms Sheen's daughters, two of whom are now mothers themselves. "Her daughters are mums themselves now, so they've had their babies, and their mum wasn't there for that," Ms Roussel said. She added that enduring the situation for seven years was "unfathomable."

Ms Roussel has initiated a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Ms Sheen's family with funeral costs and to bring her home. "Now we can focus on helping the girls, bringing her home, and set about laying her to rest finally, which is what they've wanted to do," Ms Roussel stated.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that over 4,000 lines of inquiry have been pursued and more than 300 statements recorded during their investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock called the identification of Ms Sheen's remains a "significant development" in a "long and complex investigation". A reward of £20,000 for information remains available through Crimestoppers.

The wildfire that preceded the discovery occurred on August 5, with four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters tackling the blaze. The London Fire Brigade reported that around two hectares of shrubland were destroyed.