Police have opened a murder investigation after a 26-year-old man was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District at about 13:40 BST on Monday. Det Insp Tony Owen said the site had been busy with summer solstice visitors and appealed for anyone who was at the location over the weekend to come forward. The victim's family have been informed and are receiving specialist support; police will increase their presence in the area while inquiries continue.
Murder Probe Launched After Man Found Dead At Nine Ladies Stone Circle During Summer Solstice
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is about 4,000 years old and a focal point for summer solstice celebrations [Getty Images]
A murder investigation has been launched after a man's body was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale, in the Peak District during summer solstice activities.
Incident and Response
Officers were called to reports of a body at the monument at about 13:40 BST on Monday. Derbyshire Police said emergency services attended and a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been formally confirmed, but police said his family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Investigation and Appeal
Det Insp Tony Owen, leading the inquiry, said: "We know that there have been a lot of people in the area over the weekend celebrating the summer solstice and this incident will undoubtedly be shocking and distressing to those who were present, as well as the wider community."
Det Insp Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, has urged anyone who visited the site at any point over the weekend to contact police. He said people had been coming and going throughout the weekend, making witness accounts vital to the investigation. Police also warned there will be an increased presence in the area over the coming days and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to an officer.
Location And Context
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a prehistoric monument, thought to be around 4,000 years old. Local folklore says the stones represent nine petrified ladies and that a nearby feature known as the King Stone is linked to a fiddler turned to stone. The site is a well-known focus for summer solstice gatherings.
Who To Contact: Anyone with information, dashcam or mobile footage, or who was in the area over the weekend is asked to contact Derbyshire Police. If you can help, please get in touch through official Derbyshire Police channels and quote that you have information about the incident at Nine Ladies Stone Circle.
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