Death of Scottish teenager Cole Cooper still unexplained five days after body found
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The death of Scottish teenager Cole Cooper remains unexplained according to police, five days after a body was discovered.
What is thought to be the body of the 19-year-old was discovered deceased in a wooded area near a Falkirk village on Friday, June 6, after vanishing nearly five weeks ago.
Cole's last confirmed sighting was at 8.45pm on Wednesday, May 7, on Glasgow Road at the junction with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft.
Officers returned to the scene last Sunday engaging with over 150 individuals during their probe, and the analysis of the information gathered is underway.
Police are determined to determine Cole's final movements between May 4 and May 7, urging locals with CCTV around the wider Banknock district, especially near A803 Kilsyth Road, to step forward, reports the Daily Record.
They're imploring the community to recall that period and reach out if they remember seeing Cole around said areas, asking those yet to speak with the police to come forth.
Over 2,000 hours of CCTV footage remain under review, while door-to-door checks continue in both Longcroft and Banknock.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick spoke out: "Cole Cooper's disappearance and the circumstances leading up to it remain unexplained. We remain in regular contact with the family to ensure they are kept up to date with all aspects of the investigation.
"We will continue to support them and provide them with updates as our enquiries progress. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to piece together Cole's last movements and find answers for his loved ones.
"Anyone with any information, no matter how small it may seem, is urged to speak to police if they have not already done so."
Cole,from Banknock, was last sighted on May 7 on the A803 near Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft, where he unsuccessfully sought a lift from a school mate.
Before this event, unsettling ring doorbell footage captured him on the morning of Sunday, May 4 at around 6am in the Longcroft area attempting to get into his father's house, but failing to do so.
He was officially reported missing on Friday, May 9. His body was eventually found just 15 minutes' walk from his last verified location.
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On Monday night, Cole's relatives released a statement asserting the youth "would have never walked away from his life", while vowing to seek out the truth.
The statement, shared by his aunt, Aimee Tennie, said: "As his family, we know who Cole was.
"He was deeply loved and would never have walked away from his life. Something happened - and we will not rest until we know what that was.
"While we now have him back, the circumstances of his disappearance and death remain unexplained. This case is far from over - and we are determined to uncover the full truth of what happened to Cole."
Folks with info are encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, citing incident number 828 of Friday, 9 May, 2025.
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