Man found dead at stone circle summer solstice event ‘killed in most brutal way’

A 26-year-old man has been killed ‘in the most brutal way’ after his body was found at a historic stone circle during a summer solstice event.

A murder investigation has been launched after emergency services were called to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees in Derbyshire on Monday.

The man, who was pronounced dead, has not been formally identified but his family have been made aware.

Officers have described his killing as ‘brutal’ and have urged anyone who was in the area for summer solstice celebrations to come forward.

Nine Ladies Stone Circle is considered a sacred site by Pagans, with modern groups conducting rituals at the site, including weddings and the celebration of seasons.

It dates back to the early Bronze Age stone circle ‘traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday’.

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.

‘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.’