Detectives investigating the disappearance of Southampton woman Joanne Sheen can confirm that human remains found in London have now been formally identified as belonging to her.

The tragic discovery was made on 12 August, when officers from the Metropolitan Police found human remains in shrubland, in Feltham, west London.

Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, police have now confirmed the remains are those of the mum-of three.

Joanne's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

It comes more than six years since Joanne, then aged 44, was last seen in Southampton in December 2019, sparking a major police investigation to locate her.

As our investigation enters this next stage, we are working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to establish exactly what happened to Joanne. Her death is being treated as murder, and we remain committed to identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the murder of Joanne Sheen and are actively pursuing all available lines of enquiry.

We are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about Joanne's movements in Southampton and the surrounding area in late 2019, as well as anyone with information about her movements in London, particularly in and around Feltham/Hounslow, or information that could help establish how she came to be there.

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.

"As our investigation progresses, we remain committed to establishing exactly what happened to Joanne and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

"There may still be people who have information about Joanne's disappearance, her movements before she went missing, or how she came to be in Feltham.

"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.

“We understand that coming forward may feel difficult, particularly if you are worried about the consequences but we are asking you to think about the family who are left without their loved one and who are waiting for answers. Please do the right thing. If you know something, now is the time to come forward.

"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."