Police in London have made an arrest in the case of a suspected thief who resembles the Friends actor David Schwimmer.

The case went viral shortly after Lancashire constabulary posted an image of the suspect who was wanted over the theft of a jacket, mobile phone and wallet. Social media users were quick to point out that the man captured in CCTV footage bears a strong resemblance to Schwimmer.

Following the widely-seen appeal, police announced that a 36-year-old man was arrested in Southall, west London, on Monday night on suspicion of theft.

The original appeal on social media was inundated with jokes, with many Facebook users posting references to some well-known lines of Schwimmer’s character Ross Geller. One wrote: “Shouldn’t he be at work … or is he on a break?” Another posted: “I bet he was shouting ‘PIVOT’ as he picked those beers up.”

Others picked up on the show’s theme tune, with one user writing: “So no one told him life was gonna be this way. His job’s a joke, he’s broke. Love life DOA. It’s like he’s always stuck in second gear. And when it hasn’t been his day, his week, his month or even his year, well, HE WILL STEAL FROM YOOOOUUUUUU.”

The actor also joined in on the jokes. He denied he was responsible for the crime and insisted he had been in New York when the alleged theft had taken place. Schwimmer posted a joke video that said as much.

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 pic.twitter.com/EDFF9dZoYR — schwim (@DavidSchwimmer) October 24, 2018

Lancashire constabulary quickly made clear that the suspect was not Schwimmer, stating: “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.”

Blackpool police noted in a statement: “Following the appeal we posted looking for a man who resembles a well-known actor from the popular sitcom Friends; we now have an update.

“Thanks to our colleagues in the Metropolitan police, a 36-year-old man was arrested in Southall last night on suspicion of theft.”

The force thanked all those who responded to the appeal and gave special thanks Schwimmer “for seeing the funny side of our appeal!”

Lancashire constabulary tweeted: