Helicopter and drones join search for missing teenager Cole Cooper three weeks after disappearance

A helicopter and drones have joined the search for a missing teen almost three weeks after his disappearance in Falkirk.

Cole Cooper was attending a house party in Denny on Saturday, May 3, before the 19-year-old made his way to his dad’s home in Banknock, Falkirk.

CCTV 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 say 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.

The teenager was officially reported as missing on May 9.

Cole is described by police as around 5ft 10in, of medium build with brown short hair.

He was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.

Officers have been reviewing CCTV footage, conducting door to door enquiries, and speaking to witnesses in efforts to trace Cole.

Cole is described by police as around 5ft10, of medium build with brown short hair. Supplied

Specialist resources including a police helicopter and drones were deployed to the Banknock area on Wednesday and Thursday.

Cole’s mum, Wendy, said her heart is “totally broken” over her son’s disappearance in a statement released by the force.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

She added: “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.”

Inspector Neil Wotherspoon urged anyone who may have seen Cole or a man matching his description to get in touch.

“Cole has now been missing for a significant amount of time and is it out of character for him not to be in contact with family or friends,” he said.

“I’d urge anyone who may have seen Cole, or a man matching his description, to report any sightings to us. Equally anyone who has any information that can help us trace him should contact police immediately.”

“Those with information should report this to Police Scotland quoting incident number 828 of May 9, 2025.”

Police Scotland has set up a public portal where information, such as private CCTV and dash-cam, can be submitted.