David Schwimmer has responded after social media users drew attention to an alleged thief who bears a resemblance to his character in the sitcom Friends.

Police in Blackpool had posted on Facebook asking for witnesses to identify a suspect pictured leaving a restaurant carrying what appeared to be a carton of cans.

Facebook users quickly piled into the comments section, pointing out the suspect's likeness to Schwimmer's character Ross Geller in the well-loved US show.

The alleged theft happened on September 20, the post said.