Human Remains Discovered in London Parkland Identified as Missing Woman Joanne Sheen

London, September 17, 2026 — Human remains discovered in shrubland in west London have been formally identified as those of Joanne Sheen, a Southampton mother of three who disappeared nearly seven years ago.

The remains were found on August 12 in an area of parkland in Feltham, west London, after a nearby grass fire had cleared parts of the vegetation. Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, police confirmed that the remains belonged to Sheen, who was 44 when she disappeared.

Missing Since 2019
Joanne Sheen was last seen on December 5, 2019, after travelling from Fareham in Hampshire toward her home city of Southampton. Her family reported her missing in February 2020, beginning a long-running investigation into her disappearance.

Over the years, detectives pursued more than 4,000 lines of inquiry, took more than 300 statements and carried out searches at more than 10 addresses, as well as numerous vessels, waterways and woodland areas around Southampton.

Despite extensive searches, her whereabouts remained unknown until the discovery in London this year.

Murder Investigation
The Metropolitan Police initially investigated after the human remains were discovered. Once forensic testing confirmed the identity, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary took over the investigation.

Police are now treating Joanne Sheen’s death as murder.

A 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on September 17 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody while investigators continue their inquiries. His arrest is an investigative step, and no finding of guilt has been made.

Detectives are working to establish what happened to Sheen and how her remains came to be in Feltham, several miles from where she was last known to have been.

Police Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock said the identification was a significant development in what had been a long and complex investigation.

Police are particularly interested in information about Sheen’s movements in Southampton and surrounding areas in late 2019, as well as any information about her movements in Feltham and Hounslow.

Authorities have also reinstated a reward of up to £20,000 through the independent charity Crimestoppers for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

Family Finally Has Answers
For Joanne Sheen’s family, the identification brings an end to years of uncertainty, although many questions about her death remain unanswered.

Police said the family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Investigators continue to appeal to anyone who may have information, even if they believe it is small or insignificant, as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding Sheen’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Sources
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary — Human remains identified as missing Southampton woman
The Guardian — Human remains discovered in London parkland identified as missing woman Joanne Sheen
ITV News Meridian — Remains found after wildfire identified as Southampton mum-of-three missing for seven years
Hounslow Council — Statement on murder of Joanne Sheen