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DJ Derek reported missing
The family of DJ Derek have launched an urgent appeal after the legendary Bristol DJ went missing.
DJ Derek – real name Derek Morris – has not been seen in three weeks, according to his niece Jennifer Griffiths.
The 29-year-old told Bristol24/7 the family were “fearing the worst, but trying to stay positive”.
is needed now More than ever
Police said they are “actively looking for” the 73-year-old stalwart of the Bristol reggae and club scene who was reported missing on Thursday.
A former accountant, Derek became a DJ well-known for his strong Jamaican accent when ‘toasting’ over the top of his reggae records and mini discs.
Following his retirement in 2013, he was announced as a surprise addition to the Friday night bill of Arcadia on the first weekend of September.
He was awarded a Lord Mayor’s medal, the highest civic honour in Bristol, in 2012.
I’m very sorry to hear this @XxJenniferAmyxX #DJDerek is a legend – I’ll do all I can to spread word across #Bristol pic.twitter.com/tlqH5wUrcw
— George Ferguson (@GeorgeFergusonx) July 24, 2015
DJ Derek worked as an accountant at Cadbury’s in Keynsham before becoming a washboard player in a reggae band in St Paul’s in the 1950s.
This led to his DJ career which has seen him play at festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill. Members of Massive Attack have praised him, and he starred as himself in a Dizzee Rascal video.
A police spokesman said on Friday morning: “Derek Morris was reported missing last night by his family. We are actively looking for him and ask anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact us now on 101.”
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