THE body of a man discovered in a woodland area has been formally identified as Cole Cooper, police have said.
The 19-year-old was reported missing on May 9 and was last seen in the Longcroft area near Falkirk.
Last Friday, Cooper's family were notified of the discovery of a body in a wooded area near Banknock.
His family has been made aware that the body found was Cooper’s and are being supported by officers, police have said.
Investigators are treating the death as unexplained and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Police are trying to piece together the teenager’s last movements, with CCTV reviews and house-to-house enquiries continuing this weekend.
Cooper was seen on CCTV around 6am on Sunday, May 4, on Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft.
A witness later reported seeing him around 8.45pm on Wednesday, May 7, on Glasgow Road, at the junction with Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft.
The force said detectives are focusing on the 19-year-old's movements close to the A803 Kilsyth Road, between Sunday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 7.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: “My thoughts are with Cole's family and friends at this time and officers will continue to offer them support.
“As our enquiries progress, we are ensuring the family is kept informed with all aspects of the investigation.
“A dedicated team of detectives is working to piece together Cole's movements leading up to his death.
“Again, I would urge people to think back and please contact police with any information, no matter how small it might seem.”
Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 828 of Friday, 9 May, 2025.
