Stone circle murder inquiry as man's body found

A murder investigation has been launched after a man's body was found at a stone circle in the Peak District following the summer solstice.

Officers were called to reports of a body at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale, at about 13:40 BST on Monday.

Derbyshire Police said emergency services attended the scene and a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead.

Det Insp Tony Owen, who is leading the investigation, said: "We know that there have been a lot of people in the area over the weekend celebrating the summer solstice and this incident will undoubtedly be shocking and distressing to those who were present, as well as the wider community."

The man has not been formally identified, but police said his family were aware and being supported by specialist officers.

The 4,000-year-old stone circle is said to represent nine petrified ladies, while the King Stone is said to be the fossilised fiddler who played for them.

The monument is a focus for summer solstice celebrations, to mark the longest day of the year, which took place on 21 June this year.

Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, called for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "We know people have been coming and going from the area over the course of the weekend, so it is vital that anyone who was in attendance at any point over the weekend speaks to officers.

"We know that this will be of concern to people, however, and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days so I'd urge anyone with any concerns to please speak to an officer."

Derby Mountain Rescue Team said it had assisted East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene and added "our thoughts are with the man's friends and families at this difficult time".

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