Body discovered in wooded area formally identified as missing teen Cole Cooper

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

Body discovered in wooded area in search for missing teenager formally identified as Cole CooperPolice Scotland

A body, which was discovered in a wooded area during the search for a missing teenager, has been formally identified as Cole Cooper.

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 teen.

Last Friday, Cole’s family were notified of the discovery of a body in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock.

Investigators are treating the death as unexplained and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Efforts are being made to piece together the teenager’s last movements, with CCTV reviews and house-to-house enquiries continuing this weekend.

The 19-year-old 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.

Cole Cooper was last seen on Kilsyth road at the junction with Cumbernauld road, Banknock at around 7pm on May, 7.Police Scotland

Detectives are focusing on Cole’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.”

Those with information are urged to contact 101, quoting incident number 828 of Friday, May 9.

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