Human remains found in London

Human remains of a mother-of-three who vanished nearly seven years ago were found in London after a wildfire.

Joanne Sheen reported missing

Joanne Sheen, 44, had not been seen since December 5, 2019, when she traveled from Fareham, Hampshire, back to her home city of Southampton with a friend.

Remains discovered near wildfire

Metropolitan Police officers were called to near Padstow Walk in Feltham on the evening of August 12 after bones had been found by a member of the public near shrubland.

Wildfire affected area

The area had been affected by a wildfire, and shrubbery appeared to have been burned at a woodland area close to where the police crime scene was in place last month.

Murder investigation launched

Scotland Yard launched a murder investigation, but has now handed over the case to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary after the remains were identified as those of Ms Sheen.

Arrest made in murder probe

Today, the force said a 56-year-old man from Southampton had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, and he remains in police custody.

Known as 'Little Jo'

Known as ‘Little Jo’, the victim who was barely over 5ft tall, was reported missing by her family in February 2020 after they had not heard from her for several months.

Police inquiries

Police made extensive inquiries probing more than 4,000 lines of enquiry, taking more than 300 statements and carrying out detailed searches at more than 10 addresses and numerous vessels.

Daughters' appeals

In September, 2020, Joanne's daughters Layla and Hayley, who were 22 and 25 at the time, made a number of appeals in the months after she disappeared saying not know what had happened to their mother was ‘turmoil’.

Daughters' statements

Hayley said at the time: ‘You can’t imagine what it is like with a loved one, when you don’t know where they are, you don’t know if they’re okay. Your mind is always turning on every single possibility that could’ve happened. It’s like turmoil but every day is the same. It just starts over every day.’

“Hayley said at the time: ‘You can’t imagine what it is like with a loved one, when you don’t know where they are, you don’t know if they’re okay. Your mind is always turning on every single possibility that could’ve happened. It’s like turmoil but every day is the same. It just starts over every day.’”

Sister's description

Her sister Layla said their mother was a lovely person: ‘Mum is very approachable. Full of joy and full of life. She is really friendly and has got a bit of a spark.’

“Her sister Layla said their mother was a lovely person: ‘Mum is very approachable. Full of joy and full of life. She is really friendly and has got a bit of a spark.’”

Family concerns

They said it was not out of character for Joanne to occasionally not make contact with her family for some weeks, but as time went by they became increasingly concerned.

Police believed sex worker

In November 2020, police revealed they believed Joanne was a sex worker in Southampton around the time she went missing.

Police searches

Officers combed the streets where she was believed to have worked, a nearby river and woodland in a bid to uncover anything but were unable to locate Ms Sheen.

Arrests made

That month, police arrested five men and one woman on conspiracy to murder. By late 2021, police officially closed these files, confirming that all five were released with no further action due to a lack of evidence.

Police statement

A police spokesperson said: '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.'

“A police spokesperson said: '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.'”

Detective Chief Inspector statement

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.'

“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.'”

Family strength

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.

Call for information

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.