A man arrested on suspicion of murder after a 26-year-old was found dead at a summer solstice gathering in the Peak District has been released on bail.
Police launched a murder inquiry after Isaac Clare-Watts was discovered dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale, on Monday.
The 26-year-old, from Nottingham, was pronounced dead at the scene after officers were called to reports of a body being found at the beauty spot at 1.38pm.
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery. Derbyshire Police confirmed he has now been released on bail while inquiries continue.
The force is working to gain a better understanding of the events which led to the young man being killed ‘in the most brutal way’, it explained.
As detectives appealed for witnesses to come forward, Isaac’s devastated mother paid tribute to her son and vowed to help find those responsible for his death.
Posting a photograph of her son on social media, she wrote: ‘It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning.’
She urged followers: ‘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.’
Police launched a murder inquiry after Isaac Clare-Watts, 25, was discovered dead at a beauty spot in the Peak District
Isaac was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, on Monday afternoon
In a further emotional message, Mrs Clare added: ‘We apologise to everyone who has had to find out through here. We don’t have much information currently.
‘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.’
Friends and relatives flooded social media with tributes to the popular young tradesman, who was known for his love of music, drumming and the martial art Muay Thai.
One family friend wrote: ‘Such devastating news. Heartfelt condolences and so much love to you and everyone who knew him.’
Ben Wright added: ‘No way, only bumped into him on Saturday night. So sorry for you all, that is awful.’
Another tribute read: ‘He was a lovely lad, and shocked and devastated for you all – he was so young, so full of life and potential.’
Steve Farmer said of Isaac, who performed under the social media name ‘Bangs Drum’: ‘A beautiful soul. An honour to have met and helped Isaacomn [sic] his musical journey. No words. Absolute shock.’
Police believe dozens of people who attended the solstice gathering could hold vital information about Isaac’s final hours.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen said: ‘I am urgently appealing for anyone who attended the summer solstice event over the weekend to please speak to officers as soon as they can.
‘A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way, so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
‘This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend.’
Isaac 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 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 and raves.
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 iOS 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.’
Detectives say they have already received hundreds of photographs, videos and messages from members of the public as they piece together exactly what happened.
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.’
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