Police have confirmed that human remains found in a London parkland in August belong to Joanne Sheen, a mother-of-three who disappeared from Hampshire nearly seven years ago. The body was discovered in an area of shrubland in south-west London, known as The Pits, after a wildfire partially cleared foliage.
Following the identification of the remains through forensic examination and DNA testing, a 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He is currently in custody.
Ms Sheen, who was 44, was last seen in December 2019, having travelled from Fareham, Hampshire, towards her home city of Southampton. She was reported missing in February 2020.
DCI Toby Elcock of Hampshire police's major crime team stated that this is a significant development, providing new lines of enquiry. He added that while it is not the outcome Ms Sheen's family had hoped for, they hope the identification can begin to provide some answers.
Crimestoppers has reinstated a £20,000 reward for information related to the investigation.