Police issue update on investigation into man killed in 'most brutal way' at summer solstice event
A 41-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder at a Summer Solstice Event in Derbyshire has now been released on bail, police have announced.
A man's body was discovered at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, in the Peak District, at 1.38pm on Monday, June 22, leading to the launch of a murder investigation.
Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was identified as the victim on June 24.
A 41-year-old unidentified man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has now been released on bail.
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Lead investigator Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said on Thursday (June 25): “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.
“As part of the investigation we have issued appeals to the public this week asking all of those who were there to come forward and the response we have received so far has been very helpful.
“I’d like to thank all of those people who have been in touch with us so far – 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. If you haven’t yet spoken to us please do get in touch.
“While we have arrested one man in connection with this incident, the investigation is still very much ongoing and we are keeping an open mind so information from the public remains key.”
The investigation is the circumstances of Isaac Clare-Watts' death are ongoing.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a 4,000-year-old monument in the East Midlands and it held host to a summer Solstice event on June 21.
D.I. Owen said 'a lot of people' attended the event as he appealed for witnesses to come forward to aid their investigation into a murder of 'the most brutal way.'
"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," Det Insp Owen said.
"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."
Speaking to the Metro, Isaac's sister, Jonimae, also urged for anyone who attended the event to contact the police.
“Please keep giving any information you may have," she said.
“We will get justice for you, Isaac. You didn’t deserve any of this.
“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 answers.”
Daniel Murphy