THE circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 19-year-old Cole Cooper remain “unexplained”, police have said as officers continue their investigation.
Cooper was reported missing five weeks ago on May 9 and was last seen in the Longcroft area near Falkirk on May 7.
Specialist search teams, including a police helicopter, drones, and officers from the dive and marine unit, joined the search for the missing teenager.
On Friday, Cooper's family were notified of the discovery of a body in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock.
However, formal identification is yet to take place.
Dedicated officers continue to support Cooper’s family.
The last confirmed witness sighting of Cole was around 8.45pm on Wednesday, May 7 on Glasgow Road, at the junction with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft.
Detectives revisited the location on Cumbernauld Road on Sunday and spoke to more than 150 people and are reviewing their responses.
Investigators are working to establish the teenager’s movements between Sunday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 7.
More than 2000 hours of CCTV footage have been examined during the ongoing investigation.
Those with information regarding Cooper's disappearance have been urged to come forward by the police.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: “Cole Cooper’s disappearance and the circumstances leading up to it remain unexplained.
“We remain in regular contact with the family to ensure they are kept up to date with all aspects of the investigation.
“We will continue to support them and provide them with updates as our enquiries progress.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to piece together Cole’s last movements and find answers for his loved ones.
“Anyone with any information, no matter how small it may seem, is urged to speak to police if they have not already done so.”
Anyone who has information should contact 101 quoting incident number 828 of Friday, 9 May, 2025.
