Detectives make fresh murder arrest after man, 26, was killed 'in the most brutal way' at stone circle during summer solstice event

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:53, 26 June 2026 | Updated: 10:55, 26 June 2026 Police have arrested a second person after a man was killed 'in the most brutal way' at a stone circle in the Peak District during a summer solstice celebration. Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees on Monday. Police initially arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder, before he was bailed on Thursday. Detectives have now detained a second man, aged 23, on suspicion of the same offence. He remains in custody. Mr Clare-Watts, from Nottingham, was pronounced dead at the scene after officers responded to reports of the discovery of a body at 1.38pm. Officers previously said he was killed 'in the most brutal way' and have launched a major appeal for witnesses and those with pictures and videos to come forward. It is believed Mr Clare-Watts was at the stone circle for the summer solstice, as people gathered across the weekend, with some camping overnight, to celebrate. Video footage from the event shows hundreds of people accumulated at the site, where they socialised, danced and listened to live music. Isaac Clare-Watts was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, on Monday afternoon It followed a weekend of celebrations where hundreds gathered at the circle to celebrate the summer solstice  Mr Clare-Watts' family has appealed for anyone at the gathering to contact police. His mother, Christy, wrote on social media: 'It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning. '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: '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 no answers.'  Officers are urgently appealing for anyone who attended the event between June 19 and June 23 - or who captured photographs or video footage - to come forward as detectives work to piece together the victim's final movements. Police believe hundreds of people may be able to help the investigation after revellers gathered at the ancient landmark over the weekend to mark the summer solstice.  Locals have said there had been multiple parties and raves held at the beauty spot over last weekend. Mr Clare-Watts had worked as a joiner for West Bridgford building firm Frank Goulding Ltd after joining the company in 2016 as an apprentice. Colleagues revealed he had recently returned from travelling and had hoped to continue exploring the world, including spending time in Thailand pursuing his passion for Muay Thai. In a tribute, the company said: 'Isaac joined us as a young man in 2016 to pursue a career in construction. 'He successfully completed his joinery apprenticeship and developed into a very skilled joiner. 'Isaac was a very popular member of our team and decided last year he wanted to take some time and go and see the world, in particular spending some time in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills, which was a passion of his. 'We are all very saddened to hear the tragic news and our prayers and sympathy go to his family.' The Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age monument set high on Stanton Moor, has long attracted visitors marking the summer solstice. But local residents said recent gatherings have become increasingly dominated by large-scale parties. One dog walker said: 'We used to go up there 15 years ago and it was always a peaceful gathering with a lovely atmosphere. 'In more recent years it has attracted a different type of crowd and they hold raves and parties up there now. 'There's absolutely loads of people who turn up, there's lots of drugs and loud music. What a tragedy for a young man to die like that. 'The event has sort of evolved and now it doesn't reflect what that solstice is all about - like peace and love and respect. Most people up there aren't celebrating the solstice, it's just an excuse of a big party.' Meanwhile followers of pagan traditions have expressed anger at how the 'sacred' site is being 'defiled' and has become a magnet for ravers and drinkers every solstice. Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, 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.' Anyone getting in touch should quote reference number 26*364216. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.