Polish national is charged with murder of man at Bronze Age stone circle in Peak District during summer solstice celebration

Published: 10:06, 29 June 2026 | Updated: 10:28, 29 June 2026 A Polish national has been charged with murder after a young man was killed 'in the most brutal way' at a Bronze Age stone circle during a summer solstice celebration. Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, was declared dead at the scene in the Peak District in the early hours of the afternoon on Monday, June 22. Szymon Babynko, of Commonwealth Way in London, was arrested three days later in connection with the attack. The 23-year-old has now been charged with murder. He has also been charged with attempted murder following a separate incident in Hady Lane, Chesterfield on June 25. Babynko has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Magistrates Court today. Officers previously said Mr Clare-Watts was killed 'in the most brutal way', launching 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 for the longest day of the year, with some camping overnight to celebrate. A Polish national has been charged with murder after a young man was killed 'in the most brutal way' at a Bronze Age stone circle during a summer solstice celebration. A police cordon is pictured at the scene Officers are pictured at the scene. Police previously said Mr Clare-Watts was killed in the 'most brutal way' as they urged witnesses to come forward It is believed Mr Clare-Watts (pictured) was at the stone circle for the summer solstice as people gathered across the weekend for the longest day of the year The June 22 attack took place at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale. Police initially arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder, before he was bailed last Thursday. Video footage from the summer solstice event showed hundreds of people accumulated at the site socialising, dancing and listening to live music. 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. Mr Clare-Watts worked as a joiner for West Bridgford building firm Frank Goulding Ltd after joining the company in 2016 as an apprentice Police believe hundreds of people may be able to help the investigation after revellers gathered at the ancient landmark to mark the summer solstice. Locals said there had been multiple parties and raves held at the beauty spot. Mr Clare-Watts 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. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.