Joanne Sheen remains identified, family can mourn after seven‑year search
Police confirmed a 56‑year‑old Southampton man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and Crimestoppers reinstated a £20,000 reward.
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On 12 August, a member of the public uncovered skeletal remains in a scrub area known as The Pits, close to Padstow Walk in Feltham. Police identified the bones as those of Joanne Sheen, who vanished in December 2019. The discovery came after a recent wildfire had cleared vegetation in the vicinity.
Wildfire creates conditions for discovery
Joanne Sheen’s remains found after Feltham wildfire, police launch murder probe
A £20,000 Crimestoppers reward is offered as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary take over the investigation following the discovery on 12 August.
The London Fire Brigade incident log recorded that on 5 August four fire engines and about 25 firefighters tackled a grass fire that consumed roughly two hectares of shrubland near Bedfont Lakes Country Park. The blaze removed dense undergrowth, exposing the area where the remains were later found.
Police response and arrest
Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the scene on the evening of the find and secured the site. Control of the murder investigation was transferred to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary after the identification was confirmed. The force arrested a 56‑year‑old Southampton man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder on Thursday.
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Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock described the identification as a "significant development" in a case that has spanned several years. He added that the investigation remains active and that the reward for information has been reinstated.
"It's absolutely devastating"
Rachel Roussel, friend
Rachel Roussel, a close friend of the victim, said the news was "absolutely devastating" and highlighted the long period of uncertainty endured by Sheen's three daughters, two of whom are now mothers themselves. Roussel has started a GoFundMe campaign to support the family and to provide a proper farewell.
Scale of the investigation
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed that investigators have pursued upwards of 4,000 lines of inquiry and recorded more than 300 statements. Searches have been carried out at over ten addresses and on several vessels, according to the force.
Next steps for the inquiry
Police have asked anyone with further information to contact Crimestoppers or the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary directly. The investigation remains open, and the reward will remain in place until a satisfactory lead is received. The family hopes the identification will allow them to move forward with a proper burial.
Questions this report answers
+When were Joanne Sheen's remains found?
The remains were discovered on 12 August in a scrub area called The Pits near Padstow Walk in Feltham. The find followed a wildfire that had cleared vegetation in the same location earlier in the month.
+Who has been arrested in connection with the case?
Police arrested a 56‑year‑old man from Southampton on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. The arrest was made after the remains were identified and the investigation was taken over by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
+How much is the reward for information?
Crimestoppers has reinstated a reward of £20,000 for anyone who provides information that helps the murder investigation. The reward remains available until a useful lead is received.
+How extensive has the investigation been?
The constabulary reports that more than 4,000 lines of inquiry have been pursued and over 300 statements have been recorded. Searches have covered more than ten addresses and several vessels as part of the ongoing inquiry.
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