Detectives investigating the disappearance of a teenager from Falkirk have seized more than 1,000 hours of CCTV footage and visited over 220 properties.
Cole Cooper was reported missing on May 9 and was last seen in the Longcroft area near the town.
Specialist search teams, including a police helicopter, drones, and officers from the dive and marine unit, have joined the search for the 19-year-old.
Cole attended a house party in the Shanghai area of Denny in the early hours of May 4 before making his way to his dad’s home on Mayfield Drive in Longcroft.
Timeline: Sightings of missing teenager
STV NewsCCTV footage shared with STV News shows Cole arriving at the property before leaving three minutes later.
A second video shows the teen running along a road in the Longcroft area, minutes from the home of his mum, Wendy Stewart, at around 6am.
Cole’s family believe this is the last concrete sighting of the missing teenager.
Police Scotland says the 19-year-old was last seen on the A803 Glasgow/Kilsyth Road at the junction with Cumbernauld Road, in Banknock, around 7.30pm on May 7.
He asked a schoolfriend for a lift, who said there were no concerns about his welfare, but that he was not given a lift.
Officers confirmed they have spoken to a taxi driver who may have picked up Cole, which is considered a positive line of enquiry.
STV NewsOfficers have now visited more than 220 properties as part of door-to-door enquiries and are trawling through extensive public and private CCTV footage.
Cole’s mum said her heart is “totally broken” over the disappearance in a statement released by the force.
She added: “My heart is totally broken, all I want is the safe return of my gorgeous, fun-loving boy. I feel so numb, not knowing where he is.
“I’d like to thank the local community and everyone who has helped in searching for Cole so far. Please, if you have any information that can help, report this to police.
“Cole, if you see this message, please get in contact as we just want to know you are safe.
“All I want is my son home. We all love and miss him so much.”
Police ScotlandOn Saturday, more than 200 volunteers gathered to comb fields and woodland in efforts to find the 19-year-old.
Chief inspector Alex Hatrick, local area commander, said: “We have significant resources dedicated to finding Cole and we are urging the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts.
“As part of our investigation, we have specialist resources from across the country assisting local officers.
“We have seized more than 1,000 hours of public and private CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
“Door-to-door enquiries are still being carried out, and there will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while our searches are ongoing. This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers.
“I would encourage anyone with any information or questions to approach these officers.
“We understand this may be concerning for the local community, but please be assured we are working hard to find Cole.
“As well as carrying out these searches, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. While this may not be as visible, please be assured we are working tirelessly to find Cole.”
Cole is described as around 5ft 10ins, of medium build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.
He has links to the Denny, Cumbernauld and Paisley areas.
Those with information, including photographs, CCTV or dashcam footage, are urged to send it to officers through a Major Incident Public Portal, which has also been set up.
More high-visibility patrols are due to be carried out in the area, and further searches involving specialist units will take place over the coming days.
SuppliedChief Inspector Hatrick added: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and we are fully committed to finding Cole.
“We are working hard to build up a picture of his movements, and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
“I would also urge people who live in the area to check their outbuildings and sheds.
“Finding Cole is paramount, and it is crucial we get answers for his family and friends on his whereabouts.
“Please think back – were you in the area at the time? Did you notice anyone matching Cole’s description?
“Even if it doesn’t seem significant, please pass any information on. Any piece of information could prove crucial.
“If you know anything that could help, please speak to us.”
Anyone who has any information can contact officers on either 101 quoting incident number 828 of Friday, May 9, 2025.
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