Police have launched a manhunt for a defendant after he failed to turn up to court who bears an uncanny resemblance to Eastenders’ ROBBIE JACKSON.
Warwickshire Police are searching for Tony Stephen Owens, 37, who was due to go on trial at Warwick Crown Court earlier this month.
But social media users were quick to point out the wanted man is the doppelganger of Eastenders’ actor and former ‘I’m A Celebrity…’ star Dean Gaffney.
Richie Morton wrote on Facebook ‘Dean Gafney lol’ and Dave Blakeman added: ‘Last seen on Albert square’.
Andy Sledge made reference to Robbie’s street sweeper job and his pet dog Wellard, and commented: ‘Last seen in East London with a broom and a mangey dog.’
Gerry Slater joked “he looks well hard” while Richard Hall lightheartedly tried to get the hashtag #findrobbiefowler trending on Twitter.
Alan Brindley-Taylor added: “He’s currently in Eastenders playing a character called Robbie Jackson. He’s easy to find”.
Gemma louise asked on Twitter: “@deangaffney1 is this you”.
The character, played by 40-year-old Gaffney, was first introduced in 1993 and is the on-screen brother of Bianca Jackson.
He returned to Eastenders in August 2017 after leaving Albert Square in 2004 following 11 years on the long-running BBC soap.
Warwickshire Police shared the appeal as well as a mug shot of the Robbie lookalike on social media after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
A force spokesperson said: “Officers searching for a wanted man are appealing for help from the public to locate him.
“Tony Stephen Owens failed to appear at Warwick Crown Court for a trial in January and a warrant has since been issued for his arrest. Enquiries are ongoing to locate him.
“The 37-year-old is described as being of slim build, around 5ft 6in tall, with tattoos on his arms and his eyebrow pierced.
“He is thought to have connections to the Ashby-de-la-Zouch area of Leicestershire and the West Midlands.
“Anyone who has seen Tony or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101.”
By Harry Howard