“We know that there have been a lot of people in the area celebrating the summer solstice”

A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a man at a Peak District beauty spot.

Police were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire at 1.38pm yesterday (Monday, June 22, 2026).

placeholder image — Police were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire at 1.38pm yesterday (Monday, June 22, 2026). Emergency services attended the scene and a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead | Adobe

Emergency services attended the scene and a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said the man has not yet been formally identified but his family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.

An investigation into the circumstances of his death has been launched.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), who is leading the investigation, said: “We know that there have been a lot of people in the area of Nine Ladies Stone Circle 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.

“We are currently working to understand the circumstances of this man’s death so I would urge anyone who was at the site over the weekend, as well as anyone with any information, to please get in touch with us.

“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 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.”

Officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information as well as anyone with dashcam footage from the area.

A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up where members of the public can send the force information directly via this link – https://orlo.uk/1FOZ0

If you can help with the Derbyshire Police investigation, contact them, using any of the below methods, quoting the reference 26*364216:

Keep your finger on the pulse with our daily newsletter, covering breaking news stories and all of the biggest headlines from Sheffield and South Yorkshire

• Website – They have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/cNkon

•Facebook – Send them a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page

• Phone – call them on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website: https://orlo.uk/PBA0S