Divers’ loch search for man draws a blank

THE SEARCH of a Highland loch has failed to solve the mystery disappearance of a man on his 47th birthday more than three years ago.

Divers carried out a sweep of Loch Laggan, 20 miles from Fort William, where Steven Cooper’s car was found abandoned in January 2008.

The former TA soldier was last seen leaving home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. He left behind his driving licence, passport and bank cards and did not take a change of clothes.

Despite extensive land searches by police and mountain rescue teams, Mr Cooper was not found.

Campaigning by his family led to six police divers carrying out a three-day investigation of the loch last week.