Latest news with #AlexHatrick
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
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'.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
Police visit 220 homes and seize 1000 hours of CCTV looking for Cole Cooper
The 19-year-old was reported missing on Friday, May 9, and was last seen around 8.45pm on Wednesday, May 7, on the A803 at the intersection with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft. Prior to this he was also captured on CCTV around 6am on Sunday, 4 May in the Longcroft area. A dedicated team of officers are continuing extensive enquiries, including trawling CCTV and door-to-door, with local officers supported by national resources, including specialist search teams, the police helicopter and drones from the air support unit, as well as officers from the dive and marine unit. READ MORE: Pedestrian in hospital after crash near Inverlochy Castle An incident and welfare support unit will be in the area while extensive searches continue, and anyone with information can approach this unit and speak to officers. 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. "As part of our investigation, we have specialist resources from across the country assisting local officers. "We have seized more than 1000 hours of public and private CCTV footage as part of the investigation. 'Door-to-door enquiries are still being carried out and there will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while our searches are ongoing. This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers. I would encourage anyone with any information or questions to approach these officers. "We understand this may be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are working hard to find Cole. "As well as carrying out these searches, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. While this may not be as visible, please be assured we are working tirelessly to find Cole." Cole is described as around 5ft 10ins, of medium build with brown short hair. He was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms. He has links to the Denny, Cumbernauld and Paisley areas. We would ask that any information, including photographs, CCTV or dashcam footage, be sent to officers that may support our investigation. We have set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information and footage directly to officers. READ MORE: 8-year-old girl in hospital following crash involving car and pedestrians The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) link can be found here. Further searches involving specialist units will continue in the coming days and we will be carrying out additional high-visibility patrols. Chief inspector Hatrick added: "Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and we are fully committed to finding Cole. "We are working hard to build up a picture of his movements and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far. "I would also urge people who live in the area to check their outbuildings and sheds. Finding Cole is paramount and it is crucial we get answers for his family and friends on his whereabouts. "Please think back - were you in the area at the time? Did you notice anyone matching Cole's description? "Even if it doesn't seem significant, please pass any information on. Any piece of information could prove crucial. "If you know anything that could help, please speak to us." Anyone who has any information can contact officers on either 101 quoting incident number 828 of Friday, May 9, 2025.
