The family of a Scottish teenager who disappeared more than a month ago have vowed to never give up on their ‘fight for the truth’ after a body was found on Friday.
Cole Cooper, 19, was reported missing on May 9, prompting a major search investigation that involved helicopters, divers and financial investigators.
He was last seen by his family on May 2 or 3 and was captured on CCTV at about 6am on May 4 in Longcroft, Falkirk, as he unsuccessfully tried to access his father’s home after a house party.
After scouring 2,000 hours of CCTV footage and speaking to more than 400 people, Police Scotland confirmed that the body of a man had been found on Friday evening in a wooded area near Kilysth Road.
Now, Mr Cooper’s heartbroken family have shared how they are ‘living in a nightmare we can’t wake up from’, following the month-long search for their beloved boy.
Taking to Facebook to issue a painstaking update, the family published a statement that read: ‘We never gave up, and we never will give up – not until we have the answers. The fight for truth, for justice, and for Cole is not over.’
The family, who described Mr Cooper as their ‘world’ and said they were ‘completely broken’, also thanked the local community for their assistance in the widespread search effort to bring their missing boy home.
They added: ‘To the incredible community and beyond, thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.
The family of missing Scottish teenager Cole Cooper, 19 (pictured) who disappeared more than a month ago have vowed to never give up on their ‘fight for the truth’ after a body was found on Friday
Taking to Facebook to issue a painstaking update, the family published a statement that read: ‘We never gave up, and we never will give up – not until we have the answers. The fight for truth, for justice, and for Cole is not over’. (Pictured: Mr Cooper with his mother, Wendy Stewart)
After scouring 2,000 hours of CCTV footage and speaking to more than 400 people, Police Scotland confirmed that the body of a man had been found on Friday evening in a wooded area near Kilysth Road
‘Your support through this horrendous experience has meant more than words can ever say. Every message, every shared post, every act of kindness – your generosity and compassion carried us through our darkest moments. We will never forget it’.
On Friday, a Police Scotland spokesman confirmed that the body of a man had been discovered in a wooded area near Kilysth Road.
It added: ‘Formal identification has yet to take place however the family of missing man Cole Cooper, 19, has been informed.
‘Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances.’
The final sighting of Mr Cooper was at 8.45pm on May 7, on the A803 at the intersection with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft, when he asked a school friend for a lift – which was not given.
Around 5ft10ins, of medium build with brown short hair, he was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.
His family described the missing boy’s disappearance as ‘completely out of character’.
In a heartfelt plea made just two weeks ago, Mr Cooper’s mother Wendy Stewart begged her son to ‘come home’.
Mr Cooper was last seen by his family on May 2 or 3 and was captured on CCTV (pictured) at about 6am on May 4 in Longcroft, Falkirk, as he unsuccessfully tried to access his father’s house after a house party
Mr Cooper’s family, who described him as their ‘world’ and said they were ‘completely broken’, also thanked the local community for their assistance in the widespread search effort to bring their missing boy home
She said: ‘I love and miss you so so so much. Where are you son? My heart is breaking I just want a big cuddle from you son.’
The worried mother also posted a touching video of Mr Cooper singing into a microphone and dancing with her, with the caption ‘Please help get my gorgeous, kind loving boy back to me’.
Following his shock disappearance, an online portal was established to help share footage, images and possible lines of inquiry.
Detectives, who said they received ‘numerous’ submissions from members of the public, viewed more than 2000 hours of CCTV. Officers also reported that the investigation was being treated as a missing person’s inquiry rather than a criminal probe.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick, the local area commander, said on June 6: Our priority remains tracing Cole and getting answers for his family on his whereabouts.
‘We have a dedicated team, including specialist officers and national resources, following all lines of inquiry.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick, the local area commander, urged any members of the public on June 6 to come forward if they had any information relevant to Mr Cooper’s disappearance. Those with information have been asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 828 of May 9
‘Specialist search teams as well as the air support and dive and marine units have been searching Longcroft and the surrounding area.
‘I would like to thank the public for the support they’ve shown for this investigation and all the information provided to police. It shows the community is as committed to finding Cole as we are.’
CI Hatrick also urged any members of the public with information relevant to Mr Cooper’s disappearance to get in touch with the force.
He said: ‘I continue to urge anyone with information on Mr Cooper’s movements or whereabouts to come forward.
‘No matter how significant you believe that information is, it could prove vital.’
Any individuals with information have been asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 828 of May 9.
