Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a 26-year-old man was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, during summer solstice celebrations on Monday. Police described the killing as 'brutal' and are urgently appealing for witnesses who attended the event.
Body discovered at historic site
Emergency services were called to the ancient stone circle on Monday morning, where the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been formally identified, but his family has been informed. The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a Bronze Age monument 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.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detective Inspector Tony Owen 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.'
Owen added: '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.'
Investigation ongoing
Police are working to establish the timeline of events and are urging anyone with information, including photographs or video footage from the solstice celebrations, to come forward. The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a popular gathering spot for summer solstice, drawing visitors from across the region. Authorities are treating the death as suspicious and are conducting forensic examinations at the scene.
