Hunt for missing 19-year-old who vanished following house party more than three weeks ago - after asking a schoolfriend for a lift
The hunt for a teenager who went missing after a house party three weeks ago has begun.
Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen at about 8.45pm on May 7, having requested a lift from a schoolfriend in the Longcroft area of Falkirk, Scotland, and was reported missing by his family two days later.
The friend said there were no concerns about Mr Cooper's welfare on May 7 and that he was not given a lift, police said.
He had last been seen by his family on May 2 or 3 and was captured on CCTV at about 6am on May 4 in the village, when he tried to access his father's house unsuccessfully.
The missing man is described as about 5ft 10ins, of medium build with brown short hair, and was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.
Detectives said the investigation was being treated as a missing person's inquiry rather than a criminal probe.
A major search has involved helicopters, divers, digital and financial investigators, as well as examination of 1,000 hours of CCTV and door-to-door inquiries at more than 220 homes.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick, local area commander, said: 'Cole was reported missing on May 9 and was last seen by his family on May 2 or 3.
CCTV footage of Cole, who was last seen at around 5.50am on May 4
'There was a further sighting on CCTV on May 4, of Cole, around 6am. Since that CCTV, a witness has come forward reporting speaking to Cole about 8.45pm on May 7. He didn't get a lift.'
Mr Hatrick said that the inquiry was probing digital media but was primarily focused on the last sightings.
He added: 'At that time, the friend didn't have any concerns for Cole's wellbeing. He just said he was looking to go to his local area.
'From the witness account, he didn't have any concerns at that time. The witness said that Cole asked for a lift and went on his way.
'Concerns are growing for Cole's welfare, this is completely out of character. There's nothing to suggest he has come to harm. It very much remains a missing persons investigation.
'His family are deeply devastated, they want answers relating to what has happened to Cole. There's no evidence of any criminality at this stage.'
He urged Mr Cooper to get in touch with police and said he had 'nothing to fear'.
Mr Hatrick added: 'There's no indication that Cole was a risk to himself or likely to come to harm.'
The search is primarily focused on Falkirk, but Mr Cooper also has links to Paisley, Denny and Cumbernauld.
A major incident portal has been set up for the public to share footage with investigating officers.
In a message to the missing man, Mr Hatrick said: 'Cole, I would very much encourage you to get in touch with your family.
'You have got nothing to fear about getting in touch. We just want to find you safe and well.'
Anyone who has any information can contact officers on either 101 quoting incident number 828 of Friday May 9.
It comes after it was revealed that drones are being drafted in to help with the search of the missing teenager.
In a heartfelt plea last week, his mother Wendy Stewart begged her son to 'come home' as drone operators were urged to apply for permission to fly in Cumbernauld Airport's flight restriction zone so they can widen the search.
A social media page set up by the family to provide updates about the hunt for the 19-year-old asks for drone owners to get in touch with the airport so they could search between Longcroft and Banknock.
Ms Stewart, meanwhile, begged her son to 'please come home'.
She said: 'I love and miss you so so so much. Where are you son? My heart is breaking I just want a big cuddle from you son.'
The worried mother also posted a touching video of Mr Cooper singing into a microphone and dancing with her, with the caption 'Please help get my gorgeous, kind loving boy back to me'.
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