Cole Cooper's family demand answers five weeks on from teenager's disappearance

The family of Cole Cooper, who disappeared five weeks ago, has demanded a “full, transparent investigation” after a body was found in the search for the missing teen.

Cole Cooper 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 19-year-old.

On Friday, Cole’s family were informed after the body of a man was discovered in a wooded area near Kilsyth Road in Banknock at around 4.15pm, just over a 15-minute walk away from the last confirmed sighting of the teenager.

Cole’s Aunt, Aimee Tennie, has since taken to social media on behalf of the family after “five agonising weeks of searching”, stating that the teen “would never have walked away from his life”.

The statement read: “We are calling not only on the public, but on the authorities. We expect – and demand – a full, transparent investigation. We need action. We need answers. And we need accountability.

“To anyone who may have withheld information: this is your moment to come forward. We urge you to speak up now. We are aware of far more than we have made public, and if we do not see meaningful progress, we will begin to share what we know.

Cole disappeared more than five weeks ago. STV News

“Our message is clear: we will fight for Cole. We will push for every piece of evidence to be examined, every lead to be followed, and every voice to be heard. We will not be silenced, and we will not be ignored.

“To the authorities: we are watching. The community is watching. The world is watching. Justice for Cole is not optional – it is a moral and legal obligation.

“If you have any information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant – or if you want to correct your story – please come forward.”

Investigators previously said enquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances. Police Scotland has been contacted for an update.