Blackpool police hunt suspected thief who ‘looks like Ross from Friends’

The One Where 'Ross' Steals a Wallet in Blackpool

A Facebook post asking for information on a suspected thief went viral on social media after people noticed he bore an uncanny resemblance to Friends star David Schwimmer.

After police in Blackpool posted a CCTV image of the “Ross from Friends lookalike”, people quickly replied with jokes and references from the popular 90s sitcom.

Officers were trying to identify a suspect, shown buying a crate of beer, in relation to an alleged theft of of a jacket, wallet and mobile phone at a Mr Basrai's restaurant on 20 September.

Facebook users soon pointed out the suspect’s likeness to Ross Geller, Schwimmer’s character in the US TV show.

“I don’t think it’s been this guy’s day, his week, his month or even his year,” wrote Nick Croston, referencing the show’s theme tune.

Another user wrote “It's not Ross..... It's Russ, he's trying to frame Ross to win back Rachel.”

At the time of publication. the post has already been shared more than 65,000 times and received more than 100,000 comments.

After responses began to pile in, Blackpool Police replied: “Thank you to everyone for your speedy responses. We have investigated this matter thoroughly and have confirmed that David Schwimmer was in America on this date. We're so sorry it has to be this way.”

Other police officers also got in on the joke, with Dumfries Galloway Police Division sharing the post

“If you see him keep away, he is known to have studied Karate and we believe he has mastered the art of Unagi, the state of total awareness,” they wrote, referencing an episode from the series where Ross says he is an expert in self-defence.

Police have encouraged anyone with information on the alleged crime to email 7798@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.

It is unknown whether Schwimmer, who starred in Friends from 1994 to 2004, has visited the seaside resort before, known for Blackpool Tower and its annual Illuminations festival.

Additional reporting by Press Association