Missing Mum's Seven-Year Mystery Deepens as Man Is Re-Arrested on Murder Suspicion After Wildfire Find

A 56-year-old man has been re-arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and further arrested on suspicion of murder after human remains found in fire-damaged shrubland in Feltham, south-west London, were formally identified as those of missing mother-of-three Joanne Sheen.

The man, who is from Southampton, was first arrested in 2020. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said he has now been re-arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and further arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries.

Another 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder on Thursday 17 September and has also been bailed. Police have not named either man and no one has been charged.

Ms Sheen, then 44, was last seen on 5 December 2019, when she travelled from Fareham, Hampshire, to her home city of Southampton with a friend. Her family reported her missing in February 2020. Her disappearance remained unexplained for more than six years before her remains were identified. Police say her death is being treated as murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, of the force's major crime team, called the identification 'a significant development in what has been a long and complex investigation'. He said it had given detectives several new lines of enquiry.

Remains Discovered After Feltham Fire

The Metropolitan Police were called to Padstow Walk in Feltham on the evening of 12 August after a member of the public found bones in shrubland near Bedfont Lakes Country Park. The bones were initially thought to belong to a woman aged between 25 and 45.

The area had been damaged by a fire a week earlier. London Fire Brigade attended a blaze at Bedfont Pits on 5 August that affected about two hectares of shrubland.

Detectives in London launched a murder investigation. After forensic examination and DNA testing, the remains were confirmed as those of Ms Sheen.

The investigation was handed to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, which is working closely with the Met. The force said the identification provided detectives with several new lines of enquiry and that it remained committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

Years-Long Search Covered Homes, Vessels and Woodlands

Hampshire police said the search for Ms Sheen had involved more than 4,000 lines of enquiry, more than 300 statements and detailed searches at more than 10 addresses and on numerous vessels. Specialist teams also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton.

Several people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder during the investigation in 2020, but no one was charged and the case remained unsolved. Officers previously said Ms Sheen had no fixed address, did not own a vehicle and did not hold a bank account.

Detectives Renew Appeal for Crucial Information

Police want to hear from anyone with information about Ms Sheen's movements in Southampton and surrounding areas in late 2019, or in London, particularly around Feltham and Hounslow, or anything that could explain how she came to be there.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Blackboard or reference 44200068330. The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible. People can contact it anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.