Police confirm body found in woods is that of DJ Derek

Police have confirmed human remains found on a patch of Bristol woodland on Thursday are those of the missing Bristol DJ, Derek Serpell-Morris aka DJ Derek. 

The enormously popular 73-year-old was a fixture on the Bristol club circuit and played Glastonbury festival and Big Chill. Massive Attack were fans and the pensioner even appeared in a Dizzee Rascal video. 

DJ Derek was last seen leaving the Criterion Pub in the St Pauls area of Bristol, in the early hours of 11th July 2015 and his disappearance sparked a high profile campaign on social media to find his whereabouts.

A number of DJs and promoters have been paying tribute to DJ Derek on Twitter: 

Maybe inevitable but truly sad news about DJ Derek if true... He was a dj legend, incredible music buff and will be v missed @bestival :(

— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) March 11, 2016

RIP DJ Derek - his sets at the tube and cosies were legendary #bristollegend

— Gorgon City (@GorgonCity) March 11, 2016

Ah man

RIP DJ Derek https://t.co/rr3t4PtkkO

— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) March 11, 2016

Det Chf Inspector Matthew Iddon said: "This is a very distressing time for Derek's family who've been carrying out an exhaustive campaign to locate him and raise awareness of his disappearance and our thoughts are very much with them.

"Earlier today we spoke with the family of Derek Serpell-Morris to inform them of this latest development. While we're not yet in a position to confirm the remains are of Derek, we strongly believe this to be the case due to personal items found at the scene.

"We're not able to confirm any more details until the post-mortem examination and formal identification procedures have been carried out."