A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a 26-year-old was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, during a summer solstice event. Derbyshire Police confirmed the arrest on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, and stated that the suspect remains in custody.
Body Discovered at Bronze Age Site
Emergency services were called to the Bronze Age stone circle at approximately 1:38 PM on Monday, June 22, following reports of a deceased individual. The victim, a 26-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but his family has been informed and is receiving support from authorities.
The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) has launched a murder investigation, led by Detective Inspector Tony Owen. He urged anyone who attended the summer solstice event between June 19 and 23 to come forward, as well as anyone with video footage or dashcam recordings of vehicles arriving and leaving the area during that period.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Owen stated: "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. 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."
He added: "I also really urge anyone who captured video footage from the event over the weekend to please come forward. You could play a key role in helping us with this murder investigation."
Community and Official Reactions
The Peak District National Park Authority expressed condolences, stating: "We have been made aware of the tragic news and the investigation is being handled by our colleagues at the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. Our condolences are with the young man’s family during this difficult time."
Derby Mountain Rescue Team, which assisted the East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene, posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and family at this difficult time."
A woman who visited the historic site for the solstice described the news as "very sad and upsetting" and suggested that more medical organisations, such as St John’s Ambulance, should be present at such events.
Historical Context and Investigation
According to English Heritage, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age site traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday. The site is a popular location for solstice celebrations.
A major incident portal has been set up at mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A84-PO1. Alternatively, information can be provided to police by calling 101 and quoting reference 26*364216.
