A murder investigation is underway after the body of a 26-year-old man was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District, Derbyshire, during summer solstice celebrations. The victim was found shortly after 1:38 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Bronze Age site in Stanton Lees, where crowds had gathered over the weekend to mark the longest day of the year.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are urgently appealing for anyone who visited the site between June 19 and 23, or who captured video footage during the festivities, to come forward. The man has not yet been formally identified, but officers have contacted his family, who are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), leading the investigation, 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.”
Details of the Incident
The 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, according to English Heritage. The site is a popular destination for summer solstice celebrations, drawing visitors who gather to witness the sunrise alignment.
Police have set up a major incident portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A84-PO1. Information can also be given to police via 101, quoting reference 26*364216.
Investigation Ongoing
Detective Inspector Owen added: “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. 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. 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.”
