Police handling of Cole Cooper disappearance being investigated after family complaint

Police Scotland’s handling of the disappearance of Cole Cooper is being investigated after a complaint was submitted by the teenager’s family.

The 19-year-old was reported missing on May 9 and was last seen in the Longcroft area near Falkirk.

Specialist search teams, including a police helicopter, drones, and officers from the dive and marine unit, joined the search for the missing 19-year-old.

His body was discovered in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock on June 4 following extensive searches.

Cole’s family submitted a complaint to Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department while the search was still ongoing on May 14.

Among issues raised is that investigators acted with a “lack of urgency or seriousness” despite there being “high-risk indicators.”

They also state that there was minimal communication, leaving them “isolated” and “uninformed.”

The family believe the overall police response to the teen’s disappearance “bordered on negligence.”

They have called for an immediate internal review of the investigation.

The force has confirmed the complaints are being investigated by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have received a complaint which is being investigated by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department and it would be inappropriate to comment further on that.”