UK
Cole Cooper: Search for teenager missing for three weeks – as mum says ‘I just want answers’
The heartbroken mother of a Scottish teenager who vanished three weeks ago has told Sky News she fears he could have been “picked up in a car”.
Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen by an old school friend on Wednesday 7 May in the village of Longcroft near Falkirk.
Prior to that, he was captured on CCTV a few days earlier after leaving a house party in the area.
His mum, Wendy Stewart, 42, allowed Sky News into her home as she revealed the pain her family is enduring.
Cole’s mother Wendy Stewart (L) and his aunt Aimee Tennie
Wiping away tears, Ms Stewart said: “I don’t know what’s happened. He has not been seen. Is it a possibility he has been picked up by a car?
“I don’t want to start speculating but I just want answers. Somebody please come and tell us.”
She added: “It’s total heartache. It’s just so surreal. Is this actually happening? I have been wanting to wake up and it’s just been a big nightmare.”
Pic: Police Scotland
Cole’s family say the joinery apprentice recently started up his own fencing and decking business, which was thriving.
His aunt Aimee Tennie who has arranged community searches and erected missing posters, has said he is a popular young man who enjoys karaoke.
The 32-year-old told Sky News: “He is well liked. He is well respected. He is a lovely boy. If he is out there, we want you to come home.
“We want answers. We miss you. We love you.”
Pic: Police Scotland
Pic: Family handout
Police Scotland said more than 220 properties have been visited and more than 1,000 hours of CCTV footage collected as part of the force’s efforts to find the teenager.
Specialist resources from across the country have been mobilised to help, including the police helicopter and drones from the air support unit, as well as officers from the dive and marine unit.
Ms Stewart said she would not lose hope of finding her son.
She said: “I am still praying that we get the outcome that we want which is Cole to come back home with us and to make more happy memories.”
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Cole was reported missing on Friday 9 May.
Police said he was earlier captured on CCTV in the Longcroft area at about 6am on Sunday 4 May.
The last confirmed sighting was at 8.45pm on the A803 at its intersection with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft, on Wednesday 7 May.
Police Scotland said an incident and welfare support unit will remain in the area while extensive searches and door-to-door enquiries continue.
An online portal has also been set up to allow members of the public to submit information directly to the investigating officers.
Cole – who has links to the Denny, Cumbernauld and Paisley areas – has been described as around 5ft 10in, of medium build, with short brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said there was “a lot of work going on behind the scenes” to find the teenager.
He added: “While this may not be as visible, please be assured we are working tirelessly to find Cole.”
Speaking to Sky News, the police chief said there had been no evidence of criminality.
“This is very much a missing person enquiry,” he added.
“There’s no information to suggest that Cole’s come to any harm at this time. Our focus is very much on tracing Cole safe and well.”