Police make arrest in hunt for Blackpool ‘Ross from Friends lookalike’
POLICE hunting a David Schwimmer lookalike over a theft at a restaurant have arrested a man in London.
David Schwimmer responds to police searching for lookalike
The suspect made headlines around the world after CCTV images revealed his resemblance to the Friends' star and his character Ross Geller. It prompted Schwimmer, 52, to release a spoof video alongside the comment: "Officers, I swear it wasn't me." Police in Blackpool launched an appeal for information last month to help trace the suspect after he walked into a restaurant in the town centre on September 20 and stole a customer's coat containing a wallet and mobile phone.
He then went to nearby Iceland store and attempted to use a stolen card to pay for some cans of beer - but staff refused to serve him.
He was caught on CCTV carrying the cans up an aisle, with Schwimmer's video response also showing him carrying beer in an American supermarket.
Blackpool Police said today they had arrested a 36-year-old man.
They tweeted: "Following the appeal we posted looking for a man who resembles a well-known actor, we now have an update. Thanks to our colleagues @MetPoliceUK, a 36-year-old man was arrested in Southall last night on suspicion of theft. Thanks for the support, especially @DavidSchwimmer!"
Blackpool Police’s Facebook appeal had led to users quickly commenting on the suspect's likeness to to the Friends actor.
Following numerous responses, Lancashire 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."
Schwimmer posted a video on Twitter, saying: "Officers, I swear it wasn't me. As you can see, I was in New York.
"To the hardworking Blackpool Police, good luck with the investigation.#itwasntme."