Murder investigation launched after 26-year-old dies at Derbyshire free party

A murder investigation has been launched into the death of a 26-year-old man, who attended a free party in Derbyshire over the weekend.

The body of Nottingham-born man Isaac Clare-Watts was discovered on Monday, June 22, at Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a historical site in Stanton Lees where a rave had reportedly taken place from Thursday, June 18.

Officers were called to the site following reports that a body had been found. Clare-Watts was pronounced dead at the scene once emergency services arrived.

Police are now appealing for information, urging anyone in attendance at the event between Friday and Monday to come forward. A murder investigation has also been opened.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen said that Clare-Watts’ life had been "taken in the most brutal way", and that it is "vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death."

"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," he said.

The event was taking place in celebration of summer solstice over the weekend, with people reportedly gathering from Thursday night, per a Reddit user who said they attended the party.

Posting on Sunday, June 21, the anonymous user reported that there were seven sound rigs set up the night prior, but said that it felt "family friendly, more like a festival than just a rave". They also claimed that there was no police presence on the site.

"You may have only been there briefly and think you can’t help, but you could hold the key piece of information we need to understand what has happened and help us to get justice for this young man’s family," said Tony Owen.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor