“SOLSTICE TRAGEDY…” — And a shocking discovery at a historic site…
SOLSTICE ‘MURDER’
Man, 26, ‘killed in most brutal way’ at summer solstice event is pictured after being found at Bronze Age stone circle
A MAN who was killed in “the most brutal way” at a summer solstice event has been named.
Tributes have been paid to the victim, 26-year-old joiner Isaac Clare-Watts, who was found dead at a Bronze Age stone circle in the Peak District.
Derbyshire Police said a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murderCredit: BPM
The victim has been identified as Isaac Clare-WattsCredit: BPM
Officers were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at 1.38pm on Monday.
Isaac, from Nottingham, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene – his family have been informed.
Derbyshire Police said a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and remains in custody.
Following the arrest, Detective Inspector Tony Owen 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.
Isaac recently returned to the UK from travelling
Locals visiting the scene yesterday said there had been multiple parties and raves held at the beauty spot recentlyCredit: BPM
“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.
“This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend.
“So I would ask, please, that if you attended the event, you contact us urgently so we can build up a picture of the event itself and what has led to this man’s death.”
Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area between June 19 and 23, and anyone who has any video footage from the event during the same time period, to come forward.
The force is also asking anyone with dashcam footage of vehicles arriving and leaving over the weekend to contact officers.
Isaac had been working as a joiner at the Nottingham-based building firm Frank Goulding Ltd before leaving late last year for a period of travelling.
It is understood he had recently returned to the UK and that he planned to resume his travels around the world.
The team at Frank Goulding said in a statement: “Isaac joined us as a young man in 2016 to pursue a career in construction.
“He successfully completed his joinery apprenticeship and developed into a very skilled joiner.
“Isaac was a very popular member of our team and decided last year he wanted to take some time and go and see the world, in particular spending some time in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills, which was a passion of his.
“We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.”
Locals visiting the scene yesterday said there had been multiple parties and raves held at the beauty spot over the last few days.
One dog-walker, who did not want to be named, said: “We used to go up there 15 years ago and it was always a peaceful gathering with a lovely atmosphere.
“In more recent years it has attracted a different type of crowd and they hold raves and parties up there now.
“There’s absolutely loads of people who turn up, there’s lots of drugs and loud music.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it is connected to that but what a tragedy for a young man to die like that.
“The event has sort of evolved and now it doesn’t reflect what the solstice is about – like peace and love and respect.
“Most people up there aren’t celebrating the solstice, it’s just an excuse for a big party.
“The amount of rubbish which gets left up there is disgraceful.
“Police have been going through all the bins and rubbish looking for clues.”
According to English Heritage, Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age stone circle “traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday.”
CRE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39529172/man-killed-solstice-arrested-named/
