Gary Barlow Lookalike In Police E Fit Sparks Online Frenzy

When Kent Police posted a computer-generated e-fit image of a robbery suspect on January 16, 2026, they probably hoped for tips that would help crack the case. Instead, what unfolded online was a viral sensation—one that had more to do with 90s pop nostalgia than with police work. The e-fit, meant to help identify a man involved in a December 16, 2025, bag-snatching incident in Ramsgate, quickly became the talk of social media for its uncanny resemblance to Take That’s frontman, Gary Barlow.

The incident itself was no laughing matter. According to Kent Police, a teenage boy was robbed near Ramsgate’s train station at around 4:30 pm. The suspect, described as a white male aged between 45 and 50 years old, about 5ft 9in tall, with fair hair styled in twists and a braided beard, allegedly threatened the boy before snatching his bag in an alleyway. Officers responded promptly, conducted initial enquiries, and, as the investigation progressed, produced an e-fit image in hopes of jogging someone’s memory.

The image, however, did much more than that. As soon as the e-fit was shared on Kent Police’s social media accounts, the internet’s collective sense of humor kicked into high gear. The post attracted over 600 comments, with countless users pointing out the suspect’s resemblance to Gary Barlow. One Facebook user quipped, “They always look like Gary Barlow.” Another, referencing Take That’s hit song, joked, “Whatever he said or whatever he did, he didn’t mean it.” The jokes didn’t stop there. Some commenters compared the image to characters from video games like GTA or The Sims, while others saw shades of comedic actors like Paddy Considine and Andrew Santino.

“It’s Gary Barlow dressed as a leprechaun,” wrote one user, summing up the playful mood. Another chimed in, “He saw the bag and thought, Take That.” The e-fit’s resemblance to the pop star was so striking that some users wondered aloud if it was an elaborate prank. But Kent Police, in their official statement, made it absolutely clear: Gary Barlow has not been involved in any criminal activity in Ramsgate.

Beyond the jokes, the online frenzy highlights a recurring phenomenon: celebrity lookalikes in police e-fits. As reported by Daily Mail and NationalWorld, this isn’t the first time the public has spotted a familiar face in a police image. In May of the previous year, TV presenter Rylan Clark had to publicly clarify that he was not the suspect in an Essex Police e-fit that bore a strong resemblance to him. “Wasn’t me,” Clark wrote, after fans flooded social media with comparisons. Similarly, Essex Police found themselves the subject of social media ridicule when they released an e-fit for a suspect in Chelmsford, only for commenters to compare the image to video game avatars and even characters from “Men in Black.”

Why do these computer-generated images so often prompt laughter instead of leads? Some social media users pointed to the limitations of the technology. “AI can generate a dinosaur eating a McDonald’s, but our police force experts come up with Mr Potato Head,” joked one commenter. Another, referencing the sometimes awkward results of e-fit software, wrote, “My Sims when I have too much custom content installed and it glitches.”

Despite the comic relief, the underlying issue remains serious. The Ramsgate robbery is an active investigation, and Kent Police are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect to come forward. The image shows a man in a green beanie hat and black hooded top, with light-colored hair and a braided beard. The force has provided multiple ways for the public to help: via the live chat function on the Kent Police website, by calling 101 and quoting reference 46/215005/25, or through Crimestoppers for anonymous tips.

The viral nature of the e-fit has, in some ways, amplified the police’s appeal for information. While the comments may be lighthearted, the increased visibility could lead to someone recognizing the suspect—though perhaps not as a chart-topping singer. The phenomenon also raises questions about the effectiveness of e-fits in the digital age. With social media users quick to pounce on any perceived oddity or resemblance, police forces must balance the need for public assistance with the risk of their appeals becoming internet memes.

Still, there’s a silver lining. The online attention means more eyes on the case, and, as Kent Police have emphasized, any tip—no matter how small—could be crucial. The force remains focused on solving the crime, reminding the public that behind the jokes is a real victim and a real need for justice.

For Gary Barlow, the episode is just another odd footnote in a long career of public recognition. The singer, pictured at a premiere last year and very much uninvolved in any Ramsgate robberies, has yet to comment on his unexpected role in a police investigation. But for the residents of Ramsgate and the Kent Police, the hope is that the right person will see the image, get past the jokes, and help bring the real suspect to justice.

As for the internet, it’s likely only a matter of time before the next celebrity doppelgänger emerges from a police e-fit. Until then, the Ramsgate case stands as a curious intersection of crime, pop culture, and the unpredictable power of social media.