The Friends star David Schwimmer has responded to suggestions that he bears a strong resemblance to an alleged thief in Blackpool, making clear he was in the US at the time of the crime.

Lancashire constabulary had been inundated with comments from social media users after its Facebook posting of the suspect leaving a restaurant carrying what looked like a crate of cans.

Facebook users quickly piled into the comments section to point out the suspect looked like Schwimmer’s character Ross Geller in the US sitcom Friends. Many posted references to some well-known lines of Geller’s from the show.

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.”

Another, referencing a Friends episode in which Ross says he is an expert in self-defence, wrote: “Please approach with caution. He is known to have studied karate and we believe he has mastered the art of Unagi, the state of total awareness.”

Later on Wednesday, Schwimmer posted a response of his own, denying responsibility and posting video evidence that he was in New York at the time:

schwim (@DavidSchwimmer) 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

Lancashire constabulary had already 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.

“We’re so sorry it has to be this way.”