DJ Derek spotted alive: Missing Bristol legend pictured outside Waterloo Station

It's a Christmas Miracle! Missing Bristol disc jockey DJ Derek has been sighted after nearly six months off the grid, lugging a suitcase in London outside what is believed to be Waterloo station.

The 74-year-old's family have said they are convinced a picture sent to them anonymously is of the missing icon, and are now set to start scouring London's homeless shelters for the missing legend.

Real name Derek Serpell-Morris, DJ Derek has become an icon in Bristol's underground reggae scene, playing sets at Glastonbury and endorsed by dancehall pioneer David Rodigan, MBE.

Fears were raised that Derek had died after he disappeared in July 2015 and, while numerous sightings of the popular DJ flooded social media, the information was to no avail.

The new image, taken on Monday evening (December 21), shows an outwardly dishevelled Derek, apparently walking with a stick and wheeling a suitcase on an office chair.

However, underneath a heavy camoflage jacket the Bristolian wears his trademark suit and tie and freshly-shined pair of shoes.

The BBC reported Avon and Somerset Police had been made aware of the development and the image was forming part of their inquiries.

Derek's great niece Jennifer Griffiths, who posted the photograph, has confirmed the veracity of the snap, explaining that beyond the obvious resemblance the man in the image is wearing the same hat and distinctive scarf to those owned by the missing DJ.

Commuter Martin Ball, who was present when the picture was taken, has said he also believes the man was Derek after clapping on eyes on him at Waterloo station. "Now I have Googled 'DJ Derek', we are 100% certain it was him. I would be very shocked if I found it wasn't," he was quoted as saying.