Remains discovered in woodland in London following a wildfire are those of a mother-of-three who went missing nearly seven years ago.
The Metropolitan Police received a call on the evening of August 12 after bones, thought to belong to a woman aged between 25 and 45, were found at the shrubland known as The Pits near Padstow Walk in Feltham.
Detectives had launched a murder probe, however, it is understood Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary took over the investigation after the remains were identified as those of Joanne Sheen.
A 56-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody.
Ms Sheen, 44, had not been seen since she travelled from Fareham, Hampshire, heading to her home city of Southampton, on December 5, 2019.
She was reported missing by her family in February 2020.
The discovery came after extensive forensic examination and DNA testing of the remains.
More than 4,000 lines of enquiry have been raised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, with more than 300 statements taken and detailed searches carried out at more than 10 addresses and on numerous vessels.
The remains of Joanne Sheen were found in west London
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Specialist teams have also searched waterways and woodland around Southampton.
The spokesman added: “As part of our investigation, we 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 our enquiries continue.
“As our investigation enters this next stage, we are working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to establish exactly what happened to Joanne.
“Her death is being treated as murder, and we remain committed to identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.”
Officers attended after remains in woodland in Feltham
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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.”
Officers attended the scene after the remains were found
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A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed the remains were found by a member of the public after the nearby land was affected by a recent wildfire.
The site is close to Bedfont Lakes Country Park.
Shrubbery appeared to have been burnt at a woodland area close to where the police crime scene was in place last month and a large patch of the ground was charred.
An incident log on The London Fire Brigade’s website showed four fire engines and about 25 firefighters had tackled a grass fire in the area on August 5.
About two hectares of shrubland were damaged in the blaze.
Police closed off part of the shrubland
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DCI Elcock continued: “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.”