Human remains identified as missing Southampton woman

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Southampton woman Joanne Sheen can confirm that human remains found in London have now been formally identified as belonging to her.

The tragic discovery was made on 12 August, when officers from the Metropolitan Police found human remains in shrubland, in Feltham, West London.

Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, police have now confirmed the remains are those of the mum-of three.

Joanne's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

It has been more than six years since Joanne, then aged 44, was last seen in Southampton in December 2019, sparking a major police investigation to locate her.

The long and complex investigation has seen more than 4000 lines of enquiries raised, over 300 statements taken and detailed searches of in excess of 10 addresses and numerous water vessels. There have been specialist teams also searching waterways and woodland around Southampton.

As part of the investigation, police 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 enquiries continue.

As the investigation enters this next stage, officers are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to establish exactly what happened to Joanne. Her death is being treated as murder, and officers say they remain committed to identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, said:

"This is a significant development in what has been a long and complex investigation and provides us with several new lines of enquiry, which we are exploring with our dedicated team.

"While this tragic discovery is not the outcome Joanne's family, or any of us, had hoped for, we hope the identification of her remains can at least begin to provide some answers after many years of uncertainty.

"Throughout this investigation, Joanne's family have shown tremendous strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.

"As our investigation progresses, we remain committed to establishing exactly what happened to Joanne and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

"There may still be people who have information about Joanne's disappearance, her movements before she went missing, or how she came to be in Feltham.

"The passage of time does not lessen the importance of that information. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, we would urge anyone who may know something to come forward. 

“We understand that coming forward may feel difficult, particularly if you are worried about the consequences but we are asking you to think about the family who are left without their loved one and who are waiting for answers.  Please do the right thing.  If you know something, now is the time to come forward.

"We are also pleased that Crimestoppers has agreed to reinstate its £20,000 reward offer in support of our investigation. If anyone has information but does not feel comfortable speaking directly to police, I would encourage them to contact Crimestoppers anonymously."

Beth Simpson, Regional Manager at the independent charity Crimestoppers, said:

"Our thoughts are very much with Joanne's family and friends at this time. They deserve to know the truth about what happened.

“Our charity is here for anyone who feels unable to contact police directly but has information they now want to share anonymously and without comeback. We know it can be difficult speaking up about crime especially because of fear of reprisals, revenge or due to closeness to the individuals involved.

“Crimestoppers is a charity, we are independent and never ask for your details. Contact us online at crimestoppers-uk.org or call our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111." 

Detectives are continuing to investigate the murder of Joanne Sheen and are actively pursuing all available lines of enquiry.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about Joanne's movements in Southampton and the surrounding area in late 2019, as well as anyone with information about her movements in London, particularly in and around Feltham/Hounslow, or information that could help establish how she came to be there.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting Operation Blackboard or reference 44200068330, or report online via Public Portal.

To be eligible for the reward and to stay completely anonymous, contact  Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, is supporting this investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information the charity exclusively receives – either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 at any time – that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Joanne Sheen. The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 17 December 2026.

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