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New DJ Derek sighting prompts police appeal
Police are refocusing their search for DJ Derek to Yate following a new “confirmed” sighting.
Derek Morris, 73, was seen by friends at Yate bus station on either July 16 or July 17 at approximately midday.
New sightings of the reggae DJ, missing for three weeks, have also been reported in Cribbs Causeway and Thornbury.
is needed now More than ever
However, the Find DJ Derek campaign said the latest reports were only a “possible” sightings, adding that the last confirmed sighting was in the Criterion pub in St Paul’s.
Police said they are now looking into all potential links with bus routes in the Yate, Cribbs and Thornbury areas.
The announcement follows a week of house-to-house enquiries and physical searches alongside detailed examination of CCTV which had tracked his movements as far as the number five bus home from the Commercial Rooms pub on July 10.
Detective Inspector Chris Jay said: “Since Derek was reported missing on Thursday, July 23, we’ve conducted a thorough and wide-spread search investigation.
“This has involved detailed CCTV examinations, house to house enquiries and physical searches.
“We have also had a large number of reported sightings following our public appeal and we are working through all of these.
“This new confirmed sighting in Yate will mean we will re-focus our efforts in this area and I would ask anyone who was in the vicinity of Yate bus station on July 16/17 to come forward.
“I would also ask anyone who regularly uses public transport within Yate, Cribbs Causeway or Thornbury to come forward if they have any information.
“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, might prove crucial to this investigation.
“Please contact us now on 101 quoting reference number MP3388/15.”
Derek is described as a white male, of average height, of slim build with grey hair. He wears glasses and was last seen wearing a brown jacket, brown waistcoat and a black shirt.
Police also urged people using social media to assist with the search b y using #FindDJDerek.
The Find DJ Derek campaign, run by Derek’s niece Jennifer Griffiths, has also launched a Twitter profile and Facebook page.
Griffiths said: “We would like you all to know that the latest report is of a possible sighting – there is no CCTV confirmation of this, it’s a witness confirmation only.
“We have an actual confirmed sighting of DJ Derek at the Criterion on Ashley Road just after midnight the night he was last seen [July 10]. Please help spread the word.”