Investigation launched after man ‘brutally’ murdered at Peak District stone circle on summer solstice

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A murder investigation has been launched after a man’s life was taken in ‘the most brutal way’ following a summer solstice event.

The investigation has been launched after Derbyshire Police were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District at 1:38pm on Monday 22 June, and when emergency services attended the scene, a 26-year-old man was found and pronounced dead.

The man has been named as Isaac Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, and police say his family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police are now searching to understand the circumstances around his death.

A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, and he remains in custody for questioning.

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Investigators say they remain ‘keen’ to hear from anyone who was at the site over the weekend – which was notably the weekend of the summer solstice – as well as anyone with video footage from the event, and dashcam footage of vehicles arriving and leaving over the weekend.

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up where members of the public can send information to police directly.

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“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,” commented Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation.

“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 and 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.

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“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.”

Featured Image -Wikimedia Commons

Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Hayley Williams spotted in Afflecks in Manchester

Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.

The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.

And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.

Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.

The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.

And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).

While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”

It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.

Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…

“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.

“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”

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Featured image: Instagram, @afflecks_Manchester

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