Mum of missing teen Cole Cooper makes emotional appeal

Glasgow Times

4 days ago

Cole, from Falkirk, disappeared in the village of Banknock early last month and has not been seen by family since May 2 or 3.
His last confirmed sighting was on Wednesday, May 7, when a former schoolfriend spotted him on the A803 at the junction with Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft, where Cole reportedly asked for a lift.
READ MORE: Emotional plea from missing teen Cole Cooper's mum
He was officially reported missing on May 9, and a major police operation has been underway since.
His mother, Wendy Stewart, shared a heart-wrenching plea on a Facebook page dedicated to finding Cole.
She described the 'unbearable' pain of not knowing where her son is, revealing that the uncertainty is keeping her awake every night.
She wrote: "Imagine this was your boy. Cole is just 19. Every night, I lie awake, unable to sleep, haunted by thoughts of him — is he hurt? Is he scared? Does he need help?
"I can't shut out the fear. I don't know if he's safe or if he's suffering. And that uncertainty is unbearable.
"As a mother, I'm begging you — please, if you have even the slightest clue about where Cole might be or what might have happened to him, please speak up now.
"You can be the one to bring him home. I can't imagine going another day without answers, and I know we all want to find him, so let's make it today.
"We are incredibly grateful for all of the support we've received — it's been a source of strength for us during this unimaginable time.
"But we still need more help, more eyes, more people to step forward. Together, we can bring Cole home."
The Glasgow Times reported last week that specialist cops have joined the search for the teen.
READ MORE: Fresh appeal to trace missing Falkirk teen Cole Cooper
As part of the investigation, more than 1000 hours of CCTV footage from public and private sources have also been seized and are currently under review.
Local officers in Falkirk are being supported by national resources, including specialist search teams, the police helicopter, drones from the air support unit, and officers from the dive and marine unit.
A dedicated incident and welfare support unit has also been set up in the area, and members of the public are encouraged to approach this unit and speak with officers if they have any information that could help.
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.
'Specialist teams from across the country are working alongside our local officers. We've seized over 1000 hours of CCTV footage and are continuing with door-to-door enquiries.
"The public will continue to see a strong police presence in the area, including both uniformed and plain-clothed officers. I would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to approach them.
'We understand this is concerning for the local community, but I want to reassure everyone that we are doing everything we can to find Cole.
"While some of the work isn't visible, please be assured it is happening continuously behind the scenes.'
Members of the public can support the investigation by submitting any relevant information, including photographs, CCTV or dashcam footage, through the Major Incident Public Portal, which provides an online form for sharing evidence with officers.
Further specialist searches are planned in the coming days, and police will be carrying out additional high-visibility patrols in the area.
Chief Inspector Hatrick added: 'Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and we are fully committed to finding Cole. We're working hard to build up a clear picture of his movements, and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward so far.
'I would also urge people in the area to check their outbuildings and sheds, and to think carefully back — were you in the area at the time? Did you notice anyone matching Cole's description? Even something that seems minor could be the missing piece we need.
'If you know anything that could help, please speak to us.'
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 828 of Friday, May 9, 2025.