Man arrested on suspicion of murder after man killed in 'most brutal way' at summer solstice event
Police have launched a murder probe after the body of a young man who died 'in the most brutal way' was discovered following a summer solstice event.
The 26-year-old victim, who has not yet been formally identified, was found in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, on Monday (22 June) afternoon.
Cops are now urging anyone who attended celebrations to mark the longest day of the year at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle to get in touch to 'help get justice for this young man's family'.
Earlier this week, officers from Derbyshire Police received reports that a body had been found at the site where the early Bronze Age stone circle is situated.
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The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the force then subsequently arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
He remains in custody amid the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim's 'brutal' death.
Police said the 26-year-old's family have been informed of the tragic news and are being supported by specialist officers.
The grisly discovery was made at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle shortly after festivities for the summer solstice wrapped up.
The 4,000-year-old monument is believed to depict nine ladies who were turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on a Sunday, according to the charity English Heritage.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, urged anyone who attended the event last Sunday (21 June) to contact cops.
"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," he said.
"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.
"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.
"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."
Derbyshire Police have set up a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), which allows members of the public to directly submit information that could aid the investigation.
Those who may have visited the Nine Ladies Stone Circle over the weekend or perhaps have footage to share can check out the MIPP here.
Det Insp Owen said police were aware that 'a lot of people' were in the area and may have information on the 'shocking and distressing' incident.
Olivia Burke