A 26-year-old man has been killed 'in the most brutal way' after his body was discovered at the historic Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, during a summer solstice event. Emergency services were called to the site on Monday, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been formally identified, but his family have been notified.
Police Launch Murder Investigation After 'Brutal' Killing
Detectives have launched a murder investigation and are urging anyone who attended the summer solstice celebrations over the weekend to come forward. Detective Inspector Tony Owen of Derbyshire Police stated: '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. 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.'
Nine Ladies Stone Circle: A Sacred Pagan Site
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle dates back to the early Bronze Age and is traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday. It is considered a sacred site by Pagans, who conduct rituals there, including weddings and seasonal celebrations. The site attracts visitors during the summer solstice, a time of particular significance for pagan communities.
Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances of the death or any potential suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and officers are appealing for anyone with information, including photographs or video footage from the event, to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to call Derbyshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 456 of June 24, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
