Man 'killed in most brutal way' at ancient stone circle on summer solstice, police say as arrest made in murder probe

A man who was "killed in the most brutal way" at an ancient stone circle on the summer solstice has been named for the first time.

A body found at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Derbyshire has now been named as 26-year-old Isaac Clare-Watts from Nottingham.

Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary first responded to reports at 1.38pm BST on Monday.

A 41-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: "I am urgently appealing for anyone who attended the summer solstice event over the weekend to please speak to officers as soon as they can.

"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."

The force had previously said his family was being supported by specialist officers.

Mr Owen previously said an increased police presence would be in place in the area.

Pictures from the scene yesterday showed the circles surrounded by police tape and biohazard waste bags.

Police are now appealing for witnesses who may have been at the stone circles between June 19 and June 23 to contact them.

Derbyshire Constabulary has also asked for video footage of the summer solstice event or dashcam footage from vehicles arriving to the scene.

A major incident public portal has now been set up for members of the public to provide information.

LATEST CRIME NEWS:

• Teenage girl killed after being ran over by 'stolen' digger in Essex park
• Teenager arrested after missing teenage girl, 14, found dead in Wales
• Three arrests made after 17-year-old found dead in south-west London

Information can also be provided by quoting 26*364216 on 101 or on the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page.

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is believed to depict nine women turned into stone as a penalty for dancing on a Sunday, according to English Heritage.

Similar to many other stone circles, it remains unclear as to why it was assembled or how it was used.

Despite its name, the monument comprises 10 stones - with nine in a circle, and another standing 40 metres away from the others.

The 10th stone was found in 1977 and is believed to represent a fiddler, according to English Heritage.

The charity, which manages over 400 historic monuments, has placed a notice that the stone circle is currently closed.

The circle is believed to date to the early Bronze Age, making it over 3,000 years old.

Since the late 20th century, the Nine Ladies has been considered a sacred site by pagan groups.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter