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Family and friends lead search for missing Falkirk teenager

BBC Missing person poster on a gate as people seen walking behindBBC
Cole Cooper was last seen in the village of Banknock on Wednesday 7 May

Family and friends of a teenager who disappeared near Falkirk have gathered in a search for him more than two weeks after he went missing.

Cole Cooper, 19, was last seen at about 19:30 on Wednesday 7 May on the A803 in his home village of Banknock.

Around 200 people joined the search for Cole around fields and woodland in the Banknock and Cumbernauld areas.

His brother Connor said the weeks since he was last seen have been "hell" for the family.

He said: "We just want to know were he could be, my brother knew loads of people and the fact that nobody knows anything is a concern for us.

"If you know anything, just come forward. Even if you could be with my brother, please let him know he is not in trouble.

"We want to make sure he is safe, we want him home."

a large gathering of people in boots jackets and wet weather clothing gathers on tarmac near some trees
Around 200 people joined a search for the missing teenager

Connor described his brother as the most loving, caring boy.

He said the search was not necessarily about finding Cole, but looking for a "clue" to help the family know what steps to take next.

On Friday, Police Scotland renewed an appeal in efforts to trace Cole.

Cole had been staying in Falkirk but was last captured on CCTV at about 06:00 on Sunday 4 May in the Longcroft area after a night out at the pub with friends.

Police car with police officers and crowd of people walking into trees in background
Police are continuing inquiries into Cole's disappearance

Insp Neil Wotherspoon said officers were continuing to review CCTV footage, hold door-to-door inquiries and were speaking to witnesses.

He said: "Cole has now been missing for a significant amount of time and is it out of character for him not to be in contact with family or friends.

"I'd urge anyone who may have seen Cole, or a man matching his description, to report any sightings to us. Equally, anyone who has any information that can help us trace him should contact police immediately."

Cole is described as about 5ft 10in, of medium build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black puffer-style jacket with black jogging bottoms.

He has links to the the Denny, Cumbernauld and Paisley areas.

Police Scotland has set up a public portal and urged anyone with information to get in touch.