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Police step up ‘Find DJ Derek’ campaign
Posters have gone up around Bristol as police and the family of missing DJ Derek step up the campaign to find him.
Concerns are growing as Derek Morris was last seen in a city centre pup more than three weeks ago.
His family launched an appeal last week when police also started “actively searching” for the 73-year-old.
is needed now More than ever
Some family members had suggested the accountant-turned-DJ, known across the UK reggae and club scene, was safe somewhere.
The DJ from St Paul’s is known to love coaching trips, having claimed to have travelled on every National Express bus route in the UK, and does not have a mobile phone, according to one nephew.
But niece Jennifer Griffiths said the family were deeply concerned for his weareabouts and have contacted his drinking friends and retraced the steps where he was last seen.
The Find DJ Derek campaign is being backed by national DJs and musicians, including Dizzee Rascal.
Montpelier resident Grant Marshall, known as Daddy G from Massive Attack, has also joined the appeal.
Please help find the Legend DJ Derek I met him on set of my Dirtee Disco video, really nice guy I hope he’s ok. https://t.co/SSeJhmZy4A
— Dizzee Rascal (@DizzeeRascal) July 27, 2015
Ms Griffiths said she would continue to distribute 150 posters near some of DJ Derek’s favourite haunts, including the the Commercial Rooms on Corn Street and The Bishops on Gloucester Road.
DJ Derek is due to come out of retirement for a slot at Arcadia in Queen Square this September.
Organisers said they last heard from the DJ four weeks ago.
Police renewed their appeal on Tuesday. Detective inspector Mark Langdon said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Derek’s wellbeing.
“Since he was reported missing on Thursday, we have explored several lines of enquiry.
“It appears that Derek hasn’t used his bank account since the beginning of the month and doesn’t have a mobile phone.
“We’ve checked with all the pubs and clubs he had been booked to play at and he has not made contact with any of them.
“We have also followed up every possible sighting we have had reported to us.
“Derek has a hobby of visiting each new Wetherspoon’s pub which opens in the region and further afield. We have liaised with Wetherspoon and they have circulated our appeal.
“We are liaising with Derek’s family as to the ongoing investigation.
“I would urge anyone who might has any information as to Derek’s whereabouts to contact us immediately on 101 quoting reference number MP3388/15.”