Dizzee Rascal and Wetherspoons enlisted in the hunt for famed DJ Derek

Eddie Gershon, spokesman for Wetherspoon, said: “Derek is well known in a number of pubs and we are happy to assist in the search in any way possible.

“We have circulated a photo of Derek to each of our managers across our 940 pubs and asked our staff to alert the police if Derek is spotted in any of them.”

This is the photo being circulated in Wetherspoons across the country

DI Mark Langdon of Avon and Somerset police appealed for anyone with information to come forward. “We are growing increasingly concerned for Derek’s wellbeing,” Langdon said. “Since he was reported missing on Thursday, we have explored several lines of enquiry.

“Derek has a hobby of visiting each new Wetherspoon’s pub which opens in the region and further afield. We have liaised with Wetherspoon and they have circulated our appeal. We are liaising with Derek’s family as to the ongoing investigation.

“I would urge anyone who might have any information as to Derek’s whereabouts to contact us immediately on 101 quoting reference number MP3388/15.”

He has been a resident of St Pauls in Bristol since 1978 and was formerly an accountant for Cadbury before becoming a DJ in his mid-30s. Serpell-Morris is known or playing a blend of 60s rocksteady, reggae, ska, dancehall and soul music.

Anyone using social media networks to further the police appeal is asked to use the hashtag #FindDjDerek.