A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a man in the Peak District.

We were called to reports of a man’s body being found at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees at 1.38pm on Monday 22 June.

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

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.

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 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.”

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