A 26-year-old man was discovered dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, on Monday afternoon following summer solstice celebrations. Authorities have arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Derbyshire Police were called to the remote Bronze Age site around 1:38 p.m. on Monday, where the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as Isaac Clare-Watts. His family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers. Friends and family described Clare-Watts as a "wonder" and a "beautiful soul."
Detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) are leading the investigation. They believe hundreds of people who gathered at the ancient landmark between June 19 and June 23 for solstice celebrations may hold vital information. Officers are urgently seeking anyone who attended the event, or who captured photographs or video footage, to come forward to help piece together the victim's final movements.
"A young man's life has been taken in the most brutal way so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death," stated Detective Inspector Tony Owen, who is heading the inquiry. "This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend. You may have only been there briefly and think you can't help, but you could hold the key piece of information we need to understand what has happened and help us to get justice for this young man's family."
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone at the site over the weekend, as well as those with video of the solstice event or dashcam footage of vehicles arriving and leaving the area. Those with information are asked to quote reference number 26*364216.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a 4,000-year-old monument traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday, is a popular site for summer solstice gatherings. Locals noted an increase in parties and raves at the beauty spot in recent years, with one resident describing the gatherings as having evolved from peaceful events to large parties that leave behind significant amounts of rubbish. The Peak District National Park Authority has offered its condolences to the victim's family and stated the investigation is being handled by EMSOU.