“SOLSTICE MYSTERY” Second Arrest Deepens Questions Over ‘Brutal’ D3ath at Ancient Stone Circle
SOLSTICE ‘MURDER’
Second man arrested for murder after joiner, 26, ‘killed in most brutal way’ then found at Bronze Age stone circle
A SECOND man has been arrested for murder after a joiner was killed “in the most brutal way” and found at a Bronze Age stone circle.
Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was found dead at a summer solstice event in the Peak District earlier this week.
A second arrest has been made following the death of a 26-year-old at the Peak DistrictCredit: BPM
Isaac Clare-Watts was found at The Nine Ladies stone circle, Stanton Moor, Peak DistrictCredit: Getty
Officers were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at 1.38pm on Monday.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene with police launching a major investigation into his death.
Earlier on Thursday, Derbyshire Constabulary said a 41-year-old man who was arrested for murder in connection to Issac’s death had been released on bail.
But the force later said in a statement on the same day that a second man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
It comes after cops announced a 41-year-old man had been released on bail earlier on ThursdayCredit: BPM
Isaac’s mother, Christy Clare, posted a heartbreaking tribute on social mediaCredit: PA
Isaac had been working as a joiner at the Nottingham-based building firm Frank Goulding Ltd before leaving late last year for a period of travelling.
It is understood he had recently returned to the UK and that he planned to resume his travels around the world.
Following his death, his mum Christy Clare posted a tribute to social media.
She said: “It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning.”
The mum accompanied the message with a photo of her son and urged people to share her post as “we need to know who did this to Isaac”.
The team at Frank Goulding said in a statement: “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.”
Locals visiting the scene yesterday said there had been multiple parties and raves held at the beauty spot over the last few days.
One dog-walker, who did not want to be named, 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.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it is connected to that but what a tragedy for a young man to die like that.
“The event has sort of evolved and now it doesn’t reflect what the solstice is about – like peace and love and respect.
“Most people up there aren’t celebrating the solstice, it’s just an excuse for a big party.
“The amount of rubbish which gets left up there is disgraceful. Police have been going through all the bins and rubbish looking for clues.”
Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, said previously: “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.”
According to English Heritage, Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age stone circle “traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday.”
