Photo: Press
Concern has been growing after the disappearance of DJ Derek - with his family reporting that he hasn't been seen in three weeks.
The legendary dancefloor king hails from Bristol and has been a mainstay in the reggae/dub circuit. His popularity has only grown as he has got older. Many were left devastated when he retired back in 2013.
Now, the 73-year-old's family are appealing for information after he has nott been seen in several weeks.
"Has anyone seen Derek in the last three weeks?" wrote his niece Jennifer on his Facebook page. "This is urgent please let us know. Police are now informed and he is being treated as a missing person."
Taking to Twitter, she added: "My uncle DJ Derek is missing please if anyone has any info to contact me or the police.
"I can't sleep and at wits end as I feel totally hopeless."
Friend and fan Rob Da Bank also appealed for information:
on a serious note DJ Derek is missing... one of my favourite DJs ever... please read http://t.co/YSRUCRKLhE
— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) July 24, 2015
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were made aware last night by family members of Derek Morris's disappearance. We are actively looking for him."
Anyone with any information about Derek's whereabouts is asked to contact the police on 101
Watch footage of DJ Derek live at Bestival below:
Speaking at the time of his retirement, DJ Derek said: "I will be 72 the fortnight before I do my last ever gig, and while I'm reasonably healthy it'll be nice to do some travelling without carting my gear around!".
His reputation also earned him respect from iconic reggae group, Toots and the Maytals: "Everybody know you. You're the white man that talk the people's talk and play the people's music."
He has played all over the world and has performed at major UK festivals including Bestival, Glastonbury and St. Paul's Carnival.
