Remains of mum missing since 2019 found in London

Human remains discovered in west London have been identified as Joanne Sheen, a mother of three who disappeared from Southampton in December 2019, police confirmed on September 17, 2026. The identification, made through forensic examination and DNA testing, marks a significant development in a long-running investigation into her disappearance. The remains were found in shrubland in Feltham on August 12, 2026, after a wildfire exposed bones in the area. Metropolitan Police officers made the discovery near Bedfont Lakes Country Park. Following the identification, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary announced the arrest of a 56-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in custody as enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, described the identification as a "significant development" that provided new lines of enquiry. He stated that while the discovery was not the outcome anyone had hoped for, it could begin to provide answers for Joanne Sheen's family after years of uncertainty. The investigation into Joanne Sheen's disappearance has been ongoing for more than six years.