Human remains discovered in woodland in south-west London following a wildfire have been identified as a woman who has been missing since 2019.

Mother-of-three Joanne Sheen, 44, was last seen when she travelled from Fareham to Southampton with a friend on 5 December 2019.

Metropolitan Police officers were called on 12 August after bones were found near Padstow Walk in Feltham after a wildfire.

A 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and he remains in police custody.

Detectives in London have now handed the investigation over to Hampshire Police after the remains were identified as those of Sheen.

Sheen’s disappearance sparked a major police investigation, which the force described as “long and complex”.

Det Ch Insp Toby Elcock, from the Major Crime Team, said: “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.”

He stressed that the police would still like to hear from anyone with information about Sheen’s disappearance.

The charity Crimestoppers has agreed to reinstate a £20,000 reward for information that supports the investigation.