Tributes have poured in for a young man from Arnold who was found dead at a historic Peak District site following a summer solstice gathering.
Police were called to reports of a body at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at around 1.38pm on Monday, June 22.
The man has since been identified as 26-year-old Isaac Clare-Watts. Officers have confirmed that a 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with what they described as a “brutal” death.
Gedling MP Michael Payne paid tribute to Isaac on social media, describing his death as a tragic loss.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Isaac Clare-Watts, a 26-year-old from Arnold whose life was taken far too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with Isaac’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him during this unimaginably difficult time.
“At a time like this, it is difficult to find the right words to express the sadness of such a loss. Isaac’s death will be deeply felt by those who knew him and by many across Arnold and the wider community. I know that people will be keeping his family and friends in their thoughts as they come to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy.
“I want Isaac’s family to know that they are not alone. I am determined to do everything I can to support them in the days and weeks ahead and to help ensure they receive the answers they deserve. I will continue to work with the relevant authorities and partners to support efforts to secure justice for Isaac and his loved ones.”
Isaac’s former employer, building company Frank Goulding Ltd, also paid tribute in a statement.
They 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.
“He was a very popular member of our team and, last year, decided to take some time to travel, particularly to Thailand, where he hoped to further develop his passion for Muay Thai.
“We are all very saddened to hear this tragic news, and our thoughts and sympathy are with his family.”
Isaac’s heartbroken family have urged anyone with information to come forward.
In a Facebook post, his mother Christy said: “Please share [the appeal] as much as possible, and thank you to those who already have. We need to know who did this to Isaac.
“To everyone who has shared, please continue to do so and keep this updated. It is so very important that anyone with any information, no matter how small, contacts the police. Many thanks.”
Derbyshire Police confirmed officers attended the scene at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle at approximately 1.38pm on Monday, where a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead. The discovery came after a summer solstice gathering at the Bronze Age site on Sunday.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, said a large number of people had been in the area over the weekend.
He said: “A young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way, so it is vital that we build a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
“We urgently need to speak to anyone who was at the scene over the weekend. You may think you cannot help, but you could hold key information that will assist us in understanding what happened and help us secure justice for Isaac’s family.
“I also urge anyone who captured video footage from the event to come forward, as this could play a crucial role in our investigation.”
A 41-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of murder.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire Police, quoting reference 26*364216.
