Tributes are being paid to Isaac Clare-Watts, a 26-year-old joiner from Arnold, Nottingham, who was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District on Monday, June 22, 2026. Derbyshire Police confirmed that officers were called to reports of a man's body at the Bronze Age site at approximately 1:38 pm.
Arrest and Investigation
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) described the death as 'brutal' and appealed for witnesses who attended the summer solstice event at the stone circle over the weekend to come forward.
Detective Inspector Owen stated: '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.'
Victim's Background
Mr Clare-Watts was a qualified joiner who worked for Nottingham-based Frank Goulding Ltd from 2016 until late last year, when he left to travel. He had recently returned to the UK with plans to continue his global travels, including developing his Muay Thai skills in Thailand, a passion of his.
Frank Goulding Ltd released a statement: '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... We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.'
Police Appeal
Derbyshire Police are urging anyone who attended the summer solstice event at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle to contact them. They also seek video footage from the event or of vehicles arriving and departing throughout the weekend. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident reference 26*364216.
