Derbyshire Police have released a 41-year-old man on bail after he was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 26-year-old man at a summer solstice gathering in the Peak District. Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale, on Monday and was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.38pm.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, 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.”
Police believe dozens of people who attended the gathering may hold key information about Isaac’s final hours. The force has already received hundreds of photographs, videos and messages from members of the public as part of the investigation.
Investigation ongoing
Officers said they are working to establish a clearer picture of the circumstances that led to the young man’s death, which is being treated as a murder investigation. DI Owen added: “My priority, and that of the team, remains on finding out exactly what has happened to Isaac, and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. We have had hundreds of messages, photos, videos and some really key pieces of information from the public for which we are very grateful. We'd still like to hear from anyone who hasn't yet come forward and who was at the site over the weekend, as well as anyone who captured video footage from there as well as dashcam footage of vehicles arriving or leaving.”
Tributes to Isaac Clare-Watts
Isaac’s family have paid tribute to him, describing him as “Isaac the Wonder Boy” and urging people to share information widely to help identify those responsible. Posting on social media, his mother said: “It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning. We all know he was Isaac the Wonder Boy and that this will upset many. Contact is welcome but please understand we have no words or no answers.”
Friends and colleagues described him as a talented joiner and musician with a passion for drumming and Muay Thai boxing. He had worked for West Bridgford firm Frank Goulding Ltd since joining as an apprentice in 2016, where colleagues said he developed into a “very skilled joiner”. The company said Isaac had recently returned from travelling and had planned to spend time in Thailand pursuing his interest in Muay Thai.
Location details
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument on Stanton Moor, is a popular location for summer solstice gatherings, but locals say recent events have become increasingly associated with large parties and raves.
