Body found in Banknock confirmed as missing person Cole Cooper

The body of a man found in a wooded area near Banknock has been formally identified as 19-year-old Cole Cooper, who was reported missing in the area.

His family is aware and being supported by officers.

The death is being treated as unexplained and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Detectives are continuing to piece together Cole's last movements, with CCTV reviews and house-to-house enquiries continuing this weekend.

Cole was seen on CCTV around 6am on Sunday, 4 May, on Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft.

A witness reported seeing him around 8.45pm on Wednesday, 7 May, on Glasgow Road, at the junction with Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft.

Establishing Cole’s last movements is a priority for officers and we are continuing to appeal for CCTV from the wider Banknock area, particularly close to the A803 Kilsyth Road, between Sunday, 4 May, and Wednesday, 7 May, and for information from anyone in the area around that time.

Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: "My thoughts are with Cole's family and friends at this time and officers will continue to offer them support.

"As our enquiries progress, we are ensuring the family is kept informed with all aspects of the investigation.

"A dedicated team of detectives is working to piece together Cole's movements leading up to his death.

"Again, I would urge people to think back and please contact police with any information, no matter how small it might seem."

Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 828 of Friday, 9 May, 2025.