Police Appeal for Information After Man Found Dead Near Wiltshire Stone Circle
Wiltshire Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man's body was discovered near a prehistoric stone circle. Officers were called to the vicinity of the Rollright Stones, a Neolithic monument on the Oxfordshire-Warwickshire border near Long Compton, at approximately 5:45 BST on Saturday morning.
A member of the public located the deceased man. Formal identification has not yet taken place, and police have not released further details regarding the individual or the circumstances of his death. Detectives are now appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Rollright Stones between Friday evening and Saturday morning to come forward with information.
The stone circle is a well-known site, particularly during summer solstice celebrations, which took place this weekend. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who may have attended these informal gatherings. Detective Chief Inspector Jared T Cairns, the senior investigating officer, emphasised the importance of public assistance.
"We understand this discovery will be concerning to the local community and those visiting the area. We are conducting extensive enquiries and a visible police presence will remain," DCI Cairns stated. "We urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact us immediately."
The Rollright Stones complex includes three main elements: the King's Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights dolmen, and the single King Stone. The site attracts numerous visitors throughout the year, with particular gatherings around solstices and equinoxes.
