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.”
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.
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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.
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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.”
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.”
Speaking to Sky News last week, Cole’s mum spoke of her fears that he may have been “picked up in a car”.
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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.”
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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.”
