A body of a man was discovered at a Bronze Age stone circle in the Peak District during a summer solstice event, prompting the initiation of a murder investigation by the authorities.
The Derbyshire Police disclosed that the body of a 26-year-old male was located at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, at approximately 1:38 pm on Monday.
Law enforcement officials mentioned that several individuals had gathered in the vicinity over the weekend to celebrate the summer solstice. They are urging anyone present between June 19 and 23, as well as those possessing event footage from that period, to come forward with information.
While the deceased individual has not been formally identified, his family has been notified and is receiving support from the authorities, as per the police statement.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), leading the inquiry, described the man’s death as a “particularly heinous act.”
Owen emphasized the critical need for all attendees of the summer solstice event to cooperate with the authorities promptly, stressing the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
He urged potential witnesses, even those present briefly, to come forward, as their information could be pivotal in uncovering the truth and providing closure for the victim’s family.
According to English Heritage, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a historic site from the early Bronze Age, often associated with a folklore tale about nine women being turned into stone for dancing on a Sunday.
A dedicated major incident portal has been established for individuals to provide information to the police, accessible at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM25A84-PO1, or through direct contact with the authorities at 101, quoting reference 26*364216.