Missing DJ Derek: River bed searched in Thornbury

DJ Derek has played sets at Glastonbury and the Big Chill

Police have searched a dried river bed near Bristol as they continue to look for a missing 73-year-old DJ from the city.

Derek Serpell-Morris, who played sets under the name DJ Derek, was reported missing by his family on 23 July.

He was seen leaving the Criterion public house on July 11 and is believed to have caught a bus to Thornbury.

The search started on Tuesday with a further search of wooded areas on Wednesday.

"We have searched a dried river bed but no open water or river searches have taken place," a spokesman said.

"We are focusing on wooded areas in Thornbury and areas along the bus routes between Bristol and Thornbury."

House-to-house enquiries will also be carried out.

DJ Derek's great niece, Jennifer Griffiths, previously said she was losing hope of finding him alive.

He is described as a white male, of slim build and average height, with grey hair. He also wears glasses.

DJ Derek is known to thousands of people and has played hundreds of sets at clubs and pubs across the UK, as well as at the Glastonbury festival.

The former accountant, a resident of St Pauls in Bristol since 1978, also released his own compilation album, worked with Massive Attack and appeared in a Dizzee Rascal video.