Human remains discovered in woodland in south‑west London have been identified as Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three who disappeared nearly seven years ago, police have confirmed.
Forensic work links remains to woman missing since 2019
The remains were located on 12 August near Padstow Walk in Feltham after the area was affected by a wildfire during recent periods of hot weather. Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, investigators say the material recovered from the site belonged to Ms Sheen, who had not been seen since she travelled from Fareham to Southampton on 5 December 2019.
The case was originally led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Officers said their long-running inquiry had produced more than 4,000 lines of enquiry, involved taking over 300 witness statements and included detailed searches at more than 10 addresses and on numerous vessels since Ms Sheen’s disappearance. Specialist teams also conducted searches of waterways and woodland in and around Southampton.
New arrest as investigation enters a fresh phase
Police said they arrested a 56‑year‑old man from Southampton on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder on Thursday. He remains in custody while enquiries continue. Authorities have stated the death is being treated as murder.
“As part of our investigation, we have today arrested a 56‑year‑old man from Southampton on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in custody at this time as our enquiries continue.”
Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, of the major crime team, described the development as significant and said it has produced new lines of enquiry being explored with colleagues in the Metropolitan Police.
Local scene and public safety
Padstow Walk and the surrounding woodland were subject to police activity while the area was examined. The remains were initially reported by a member of the public, prompting the renewed inquiry work. The discovery follows wildfires that affected the patch of woodland during the summer’s heatwaves, which may have exposed or altered evidence at the scene.
Police have not provided further details on the nature of the remains or the circumstances that led to their discovery beyond confirming the identification and the arrest. No other arrests linked to this development have been announced.
Background of the investigation
Ms Sheen, who was 44 when she disappeared, was reported missing by her family after failing to arrive in Southampton from Fareham in December 2019. In 2020 five people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder but later released with no further action. The case has remained open and active, with detectives continuing to pursue leads.
| Key dates | Details |
|---|---|
| 5 December 2019 | Joanne Sheen last seen travelling from Fareham to Southampton |
| 2020 | Five people arrested then released with no further action |
| 12 August 2026 | Human remains found near Padstow Walk, Feltham |
| September 2026 | 56‑year‑old man from Southampton arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder |
What police say now
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said detectives are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to establish exactly what happened to Ms Sheen. They reiterated the force’s commitment to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice as the investigation moves into a new phase.
Members of the public with information that may assist the inquiry are being asked to contact police via the usual channels. Given the complexity and longevity of the investigation, officers said new information will be assessed alongside previously gathered evidence.
- Remains identified: Joanne Sheen, missing since December 2019
- Location: Woodland near Padstow Walk, Feltham
- Arrest: 56‑year‑old man from Southampton, suspected conspiracy to commit murder
The development has revived attention on a case that has troubled Ms Sheen’s family and local communities for years. Detectives continue to piece together how the remains came to be in Feltham woodland and to trace the events between her disappearance in 2019 and this discovery.
