Tributes are pouring in for a 'very popular' Nottingham man whose body was discovered in the Peak District following a suspected murder. Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, a qualified joiner from Arnold, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees on Monday, June 22, at approximately 1:38 PM. Derbyshire Police confirmed that emergency services attended the scene, where the man was pronounced dead.
Victim Identified and Suspect Detained
While formal identification is yet to take place, the victim's family have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers. A 41-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. The discovery came after summer solstice celebrations were held at the Bronze Age stone circle on Sunday.
Background of the Victim
Mr Clare-Watts had been employed as a joiner at Nottingham-based building firm Frank Goulding Ltd before departing late last year for a travelling adventure. He had recently arrived back in the UK with intentions to continue his global travels. In a statement, the team at Frank Goulding said: '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.'
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), leading the investigation, 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. 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. 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.'
How to Help
Derbyshire Police remains keen to speak with anyone present at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle during the weekend, as well as those possessing video recordings from the summer solstice or footage capturing vehicles arriving and departing throughout the weekend. Those with information are urged to contact Derbyshire Police on 101, referencing incident number 26*364216.
