POLICE have confirmed they are searching Thornbury wooded areas and bus routes for missing Bristol DJ Derek.

It had previously been reported that police search efforts were in rivers in the area last night, for 73-year-old Derek Serpell-Morris.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman has told the Gazette the police have searched dry river beds for Derek over the past few days, but there have been no open water or river searches in the area.

He added: “We are now focussing our searches to wooded areas in Thornbury.”

Police are also following the Number 78 bus route from Bristol to Thornbury later today as part of the operation.

Derek was reported missing by his concerned family on July 23, and last week the police said they believed DJ Derek may have boarded a bus to Thornbury.

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

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 and quote reference number MP3388/15.