Human remains discovered in woodland in south-west London following a wildfire have been identified as a mother-of-three who has been missing since 2019. Joanne Sheen, then aged 44, was last seen in December 2019, and her disappearance sparked a major, long, and complex police investigation.

Police were called to Padstow Walk in Feltham on August 12 after bones were discovered in an area of shrubland damaged by a fire the previous week. The discovery comes after years of extensive inquiries by Hampshire Police into Sheen's disappearance, which was reported by her family in February 2020.

A 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the case and remains in police custody. Detectives in London have now handed the investigation over to Hampshire Police following the identification of the remains.

Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, stated that while the discovery is not the outcome the family had hoped for, it is hoped that the identification will begin to provide answers after years of uncertainty. He commended the family's strength and dignity and reiterated the police commitment to establishing the full circumstances of Sheen's disappearance and holding those responsible accountable.

The area where the remains were found, known as Bedfont Pits, was affected by a blaze on August 5, which London Fire Brigade attended and which damaged approximately two hectares of shrubland. The human remains were discovered by a member of the public about a week later. A post-mortem examination indicated the remains belonged to a woman aged between 25 and 45.

Hampshire Police had previously conducted over 4,000 lines of inquiry, taken more than 300 statements, and carried out detailed searches at numerous addresses and on vessels in their pursuit of information regarding Sheen's whereabouts. At the time of her disappearance, police noted that she did not have a permanent address, a vehicle, or a bank account.

In 2020, several individuals were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder in connection with Sheen's disappearance, but no charges were ultimately brought, and the investigation remained unsolved. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the remains were found near Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

A reward of £20,000 for information that supports the investigation has been reinstated by Crimestoppers. Police continue to appeal for anyone with information regarding Joanne Sheen's disappearance to come forward.