Mum of man killed in 'most brutal way' at summer solstice event issues plea as man released on bail
Isaac Clare-Watts was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, in the Peak District in Derbyshire, on Monday (22 June).
It is believed the 26-year-old died in a suspected murder at a summer solstice event with a 41-year-old unidentified man arrested in connection. He has since been released on bail.
And as police describe Clare-Watts’ death as having been ‘taken in the most brutal way’, his mum has joined the police force and his sister in issuing a plea for information.
In its most recent update this morning, Derbyshire Police say investigations are continuing as it asks for anyone who was at the site over the weekend to get in touch.
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“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,” the force said.
Derbyshire Police say ‘information from the public remains key’ as it keeps an ‘open mind’ regardless of the arrest.
His family have reshared the police appeal with a photo of Clare-Watts on Facebook as Christy wrote: “Please share like mad, and thank you to those that have shared, please update with photo. We need to know who did this to Isaac”
She added: “To everyone who has shared, please continue to and update with this. It is so very important that anyone with anything, despite how little you may think it is, lets the police know. Many thanks.”
The mum has also shared the sad news of his death earlier in the week, writing: “It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning.
“We apologise to everyone who has had to find out through here. We don’t have much information currently. We all know he was Isaac the Wonder Boy and this will upset many.”
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation said: “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.”
A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up where members of the public can send the police information directly via this link – Public Portal.
If contacting the police with information, the public should quote the reference 26*364216.
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
Jess Battison