Remains of woman missing for seven years found after wildfire

Human remains discovered in woodland following a wildfire are those of a mother-of-three who disappeared nearly seven years ago, police said.

The Metropolitan Police were called on the evening of 12 August after bones, believed to belong to a woman aged 25 to 45, were found near Padstow Walk in Feltham, south west London, after the area was affected by a blaze.

Detectives had launched a murder inquiry, but Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have now taken 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 on Thursday, 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 5 December 2019.

She was reported missing by her family in February 2020.

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."

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The detective chief inspector added: "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."

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.

Crimestoppers is supporting the investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information received exclusively by the charity and which leads to the arrest of those responsible for Ms Sheen's murder.

The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 17 December.

(c) Sky News 2026: Remains of woman missing for seven years found after wildfire