Isaac Clare-Watts, a 26-year-old joiner from Arnold, Nottingham, has been identified locally as the victim of a suspected murder at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District. Derbyshire Police received reports of a man's body at the Bronze Age site in Stanton Lees at approximately 1:38 pm on Monday, June 22. Emergency services attended, and Mr. Clare-Watts was pronounced dead at the scene. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Tributes to a 'Very Popular' Young Man
Mr. Clare-Watts, a qualified joiner, had worked at Nottingham-based Frank Goulding Ltd since 2016, completing his joinery apprenticeship and becoming a skilled craftsman. He left the company late last year to travel, spending time in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills—a passion of his. He had recently returned to the UK and was planning further travels abroad. Frank Goulding's team issued a statement: 'Isaac was a very popular member of our team... We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.'
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Tony Owen of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) appealed urgently for anyone who attended the summer solstice event over the weekend to come forward. '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,' he said. He urged attendees to contact police, especially those with video footage from the event or of vehicles entering and leaving the area.
Investigation and Next Steps
Derbyshire Police have not formally identified the victim, but his family has been informed and is receiving support from specially trained officers. The force continues to seek witnesses and video recordings. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 26*364216.
