Human remains discovered in a south-west London woodland have been formally identified as those of Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three who had been missing for several years. The discovery occurred after a wildfire damaged shrubland near Bedfont Lakes Country Park in early August. A member of the public found the bones on 12 August, one week after the London Fire Brigade was called to a blaze that scorched approximately two hectares of the area known as Bedfont Pits.
Ms. Sheen, who was 44 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen on 5 December 2019 when she travelled from Fareham to Southampton with a friend. Her family reported her missing in February 2020. During the initial investigation, which authorities described as long and complex, police followed more than 4,000 lines of inquiry, took over 300 statements, and conducted detailed searches at more than 10 addresses and on numerous vessels. Although several people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder in 2020, no charges were brought at that time, and the case remained unsolved.
Following the recent identification, Metropolitan Police detectives have transferred the investigation to Hampshire Police. A 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and remains in police custody. Det Ch Insp Toby Elcock of the Major Crime Team acknowledged that while the news is not the outcome the family hoped for, the identification may provide some answers after years of uncertainty. He praised the family for their dignity and reiterated that the police remain committed to holding those responsible accountable. He also emphasized that the force is still seeking information from anyone who knows details regarding Ms. Sheen's disappearance.
A post-mortem examination of the remains had previously suggested they belonged to a woman aged between 25 and 45. Police noted that Ms. Sheen did not have a permanent address, vehicle, or bank account at the time she vanished. Crimestoppers has reinstated a £20,000 reward for information that supports the ongoing investigation.
