The heartbroken brother of a teenager who vanished almost a month ago has told Sky News of the “hell” his family are living through while the search goes on.
Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen by an old school friend on Wednesday 7 May, in the village of Longcroft near Falkirk, in central Scotland.
His brother, Connor Cooper, said life feels “empty” without his sibling.
Speaking to Sky News Breakfast on Monday, Connor said: “We just feel lost not having him in our lives at the moment while he’s been missing.
“It’s hell, if I’m being brutally honest, for all of us.
“One minute you’re fine, next minute… not even fine, if that makes sense?
“But you’re coping better than what you might have done the day before, and then the next minute you’re just breaking down.
“And I know that was me last night, I was just breaking down. It’s really tough on us all.
“We’re just trying to take each day and each minute as it comes. It is hell though. I would never wish this on anyone.”
Image: Cole Cooper. Pic: Police Scotland
Image: Pic: Family handout
Cole was reported missing on Friday 9 May.
He was earlier captured on CCTV in the Longcroft area at about 6am on Sunday 4 May, after leaving a house party in the area.
Police Scotland said the last confirmed sighting was at 8.45pm on the A803 at its intersection with Cumbernauld Road, Longcroft, on Wednesday 7 May.
Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick previously told Sky News there had been no evidence of criminality.
Image: Pic: Police Scotland
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 Cole.
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.
Connor believes the work of Police Scotland will help push the investigation as the family continue to seek answers as to what has happened.
He said: “For Cole, this is very abnormal. It’s very much out of his character. He’s never, ever done anything like this.”
Image: A missing poster for Cole Cooper – who initially was last seen on 4 May. An old school friend later said they saw the teenager on 7 May
Connor said even if his brother wanted some space or alone time, he would have told family or friends and “would never put his younger siblings through this”.
He added: “So, the fact that he’s been missing for coming up to a month – he’s not used his phone, no bank card has been used, anything like that – it’s very much out of character.
“And I genuinely believe Cole would never do anything like this.”
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1:52
Missing teen’s mum: ‘Just bring him home’
Wendy Stewart told of her heartbreak, adding: “I have been wanting to wake up, and it’s just been a big nightmare.”
Cole’s family said the joinery apprentice recently started up his own fencing and decking business, which was thriving.
Connor warmly described his brother as “funny, goofy, smart, but gullible a bit”.
He added: “My brother is one of the most loving, caring people you would ever come across. He always wears his heart on his sleeve.
“For the people that he loves and cares about, he really wants them to do well in life.”
Connor urged all those with information – no matter how small – to contact the family or Police Scotland.
Thanking all those who have offered support so far, he added: “At the end of the day, this is a 19-year-old boy.
“He’s got a family, he’s got friends that love and care about him and we just want him home safe now.
“And just try and put yourself in our shoes. If this was you or your family member or friend, I’m sure you would want people to come forward with information as well.”
Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, after Alessia Russo scored an equaliser to send the game to a shootout.
Nowhere was the roar for the Lionesses louder than in the Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare club on the outskirts of Manchester.
The club where a five-year-old Ella Toone started her journey to England stardom, like so many places across the country, hosted nail-biting, table-thumping and, ultimately, deafening watch parties.
The roof almost came off the clubhouse when Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty went in.
Red bucket hats emblazoned with Toone’s now-famous ‘Buzzing My Head Off’ catchphrase were thrown in the air.
“Absolutely ecstatic,” said Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, who runs the pathway development for women and girls at the club.
“I was very nervous, very worried about penalties but we did it in the end.”
The success of the Lionesses has driven a huge boom in the popularity of women’s and girls football in recent years. She hopes this win will have a similar effect.
“I hope it cements the girls who are already here, keeps them engaged, and I hope it brings more girls down who want to be footballers and see that it’s open for everybody.”
It had been a pretty sombre watch for much of the game after Spain took the lead – but it erupted into life after Alessia Russo’s equaliser.
The shootout was the usual emotional rollercoaster but young fans seem to have greater faith in the Lionesses.
Among the jubilant teenagers celebrating in the clubhouse were two who have followed Toone’s path to academies at professional clubs.
“It’s unbelievable, they’re amazing, Chloe Kelly, I just don’t know what to say about her,” said Natasha Greenhouse. “We knew if it went to penalties that they’d do it.”
Tamsin Gallagher said: “They’ve done it the hard way all the way through the Euros but we all believed in them. Come on England.”
The party in Manchester and around the country and only just begun.
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16:49
‘I am so incredibly proud’
Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who were in attendance at St Jakob-Park in Basel, added on social media: “What a game!
“Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.”
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In a post on the official Royal Family account on X, King Charles also sent his “most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025” to the Lionesses.
“For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’,” he said.
“As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.”
The monarch ended his statement by saying “the next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.”
Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said “well done” to the team and “what an absolutely fantastic watch,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “What an achievement. What a team!”
A man has died after suffering cardiac arrest onboard a boat attempting to reach the UK.
The vessel turned back towards Equihen beach on the French coast yesterday morning.
A nurse tried to resuscitate the man but was unsuccessful.
Image: Pic: PA
French authorities have now launched an investigation into the circumstances.
A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, has criticised authorities on both sides of the Channel.
Jacob Burns said: “Yet again we have a tragedy in the Channel, that is the consequence of the deadly, costly and ineffective security policies implemented by the UK and France.”
Image: Pic: PA
Later on Saturday, a lifeboat carried migrants who have made the voyage into the Port of Dover.
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Photographs showed them huddled under blankets and orange life jackets on board.
“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”
So often they were only watching other nations making finals.
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England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.
Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters
Image: Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters
Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.
Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.
Image: England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters
But this is Spain’s first Euros final.
And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.
Image: England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters
Image: Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP
Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.
But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.
It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.
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2:10
Spain’s players struggle for respect
“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.
“I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”
It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.
Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.