Polish national is charged with murder of man at Bronze Age stone circle in Peak District during summer solstice celebration

A Polish national has been charged with murder after a young man was killed in the ‘most brutal way’ at a Bronze Age stone circle during a summer solstice celebration.

Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, was pronounced dead at the scene in the Peak District in the early afternoon of Monday, June 22.

Szymon Babynko, of Commonwealth Way, London, was arrested three days later in connection with the attack.

The 23-year-old man is now charged with murder.

He was also charged with attempted murder following a separate incident in Hady Lane, Chesterfield, on June 25.

Babynko was taken into custody and will appear at Derby Magistrates’ Court today.

Officers previously said Mr Clare-Watts was killed in the ‘most brutal way’, launching a massive appeal for witnesses and those with pictures and video to come forward.

It is believed that Mr Clare-Watts was at the stone circle on the summer solstice, when people gathered for the weekend for the longest day of the year and some camped overnight in celebration.

Officers are photographed at the scene. Police have previously said Mr Clare-Watts was killed in the ‘most brutal way’ and appealed for witnesses to come forward

Mr Clare-Watts (pictured) is believed to be at the stone circle on the summer solstice as people gather for the weekend on the longest day of the year

The attack on 22 June took place at the Nine Women Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, near Darley Dale.

Police first arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder, then he was released on bail last Thursday.

Video footage of the summer solstice event shows hundreds of people gathered at the site socializing, dancing and listening to live music.

Mr Clare-Watts’ family have appealed for anyone who attended the meeting to contact the police.

His mother Christy wrote on social media: ‘It breaks our hearts to know that Y’all’s son and brother Isaac were found dead on Monday morning.

‘Please share like crazy, thank you to those who shared, please update with the photo. ‘We need to know who did this to Isaac.’

He added: ‘We all know it’s Isaac the Boy Wonder and that will upset a lot of people. We are open to communication but please understand that we have no words or answers.’

Police officers are urging anyone who attended the event or took photos or video between June 19 and June 23 to come forward as detectives try to piece together the victim’s final movements.

Mr Clare-Watts worked as a carpenter for West Bridgford construction firm Frank Goulding Ltd after joining the company as an apprentice in 2016.

Police believe hundreds of people may be able to help the investigation after revelers gathered at the ancient landmark to celebrate the summer solstice.

Locals said that many raves and parties are held at the beauty spot.

Mr Clare-Watts worked as a carpenter for West Bridgford construction firm Frank Goulding Ltd after joining the company as an apprentice in 2016.

Colleagues revealed that he had recently returned from travel and hoped to continue exploring the world, including spending time in Thailand to pursue his passion for Muay Thai.

The company said at the tribute: ‘Isaac joined us as a young man in 2016 to pursue a career in construction.

‘He successfully completed his joinery apprenticeship and became a highly skilled carpenter.

‘Isaac was a very popular member of our team and last year he decided he wanted to take some time out and see the world, particularly spending some time in Thailand to hone his skills in Muay Thai, which is his passion.

‘We are all heartbroken to hear this tragic news and our prayers and condolences go out to his family.’

The Stone Circle of Nine Women, a Bronze Age monument high above Stanton Moor, has long attracted visitors celebrating the summer solstice.

According to English Heritage, this landmark is ‘traditionally believed to depict nine women being turned to stone as punishment for dancing on Sunday’.