A young joiner who had just returned from travelling the world was found dead at a Bronze Age stone circle in the Peak District, his life taken “in the most brutal way” during a summer solstice rave that drew hundreds of people.
Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, a qualified joiner from Arnold, Nottinghamshire, was discovered at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees shortly before 1.40pm on Monday June 22, hours after the solstice celebrations had ended. A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
“Joiner Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was found killed 'in the most brutal way' at Nine Ladies Stone Circle after a summer solstice rave.”
Clare-Watts’s mother, Christy Clare, paid tribute to her son in a social media post, writing: “It breaks our hearts to let you all know that Isaac, son and brother, was found dead on Monday morning. We all know he was Isaac the Wonder Boy and that this will upset many.” She said the family had “no words or answers”.
The victim had worked for Nottingham building firm Frank Goulding Ltd since 2016, completing his joinery apprenticeship and becoming a “very skilled joiner”. The company described him as a “very popular member of our team”. He left late last year to travel, spending time in Thailand to develop his Muay Thai skills, and had recently returned to the UK with plans to resume his travels.
Detective Inspector Tony Owen of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, leading the investigation, said: “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.” He urged anyone who attended the summer solstice event between June 19 and 23, or who captured video footage of the event, to come forward. “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.”
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a sacred site for Pagans, is traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday. It had been the focal point for a weekend of parties and raves, according to locals. Officers are appealing for footage of vehicles arriving and leaving over the solstice period. Clare-Watts’s sister also appealed for information: “Please keep giving any information you may have. We will get justice for you, Isaac. You didn’t deserve any of this.”