Murder probe launched after man's body found at 4,000-year-old stone circle after summer solstice

Police have launched a murder probe after a man's body was discovered at a 4,000-year-old stone circle after the summer solstice.

On Monday, officers raced to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Derbyshire after receiving reports of a body being found at around 1.40pm.

Emergency services attended the scene, where they pronounced a 26-year-old man dead, Derbyshire Police said.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen acknowledged that there had been "a lot of people in the area over the weekend celebrating the summer solstice".

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He added: "This incident will undoubtedly be shocking and distressing to those who were present, as well as the wider community.

“We are currently working to understand the circumstances of this man’s death so I would urge anyone who was at the site over the weekend, as well as anyone with any information, to please get in touch with us."

Although the deceased has not been formally identified, police confirmed that the man's family had been told and are now being supported by specialist officers.

Mr Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, called for any member of the public with information or witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We know people have been coming and going from the area over the course of the weekend, so it is vital that anyone who was in attendance at any point over the weekend speaks to officers.

"We know that this will be of concern to people, however, and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days so I'd urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to an officer."

Derby Mountain Rescue Team said: "Our thoughts are with the man's friends and families at this difficult time."

The voluntary organisation confirmed it had worked alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene.

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Anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation is urged to contact Derbyshire police on 101, quoting reference number 26*364216.

Members of the public can anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is believed to have originated in the early Bronze Age.

It is comprised of 10 standing stones - nine of which are placed in a circle, with one standing 40 metres away from the others.

The name derives from the legend that nine ladies were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on the Sabbath.

The 10th, lonesome stone is believed to represent a fiddler.

Researchers believe the site may have been used for ancient ceremonies and rituals celebrating life and death.

To this day, it remains an significant location for Druid and pagan worship, with many people visiting the site on each solstice.

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