Derbyshire Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a 26-year-old man was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District during a summer solstice gathering. The man was found at around 1.38pm on Monday, June 22, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Appeal for Solstice Attendees
Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) is leading the investigation. He appealed for anyone who attended the summer solstice event between June 19 and 23 to come forward. Officers believe numerous people were in the vicinity over the weekend.
"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," Owen said. "You may have only been there briefly and think you can't help, but you could hold the key piece of information we need."
Victim Yet to Be Formally Identified
The man has not been formally identified, but his family have been informed and are receiving support from police. Emergency services were called to the scene in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, after the body was found.
According to English Heritage, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age monument, traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday.
How to Help the Investigation
A major incident portal has been set up at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A84-PO1. Information can also be given to police via 101, quoting reference 26*364216. Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who captured video footage from the event over the weekend.
