George Clooney riding a bike in Italy

Clooney and some friends were riding through the town of Laglio, on the south west side of Lake Como – where the actor has a home – when they were halted by the traffic police.

After providing some identification to the star-struck officers, he willingly posed for a photo with the pair – on the camera usually used to snap suspects.

Why it is unclear why the police stopped Clooney, onlooker suspected they may have recognised him and simply wanted a picture with the A-lister.

The 48-year-old actor is currently on his annual summer holiday to the region, where he owns a stunning lakeside villa.

In previous years, he has entertained Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt and Mariella Frostrup at the house.

During his current stay, there was no sign of his reported new girlfriend, cocktail waitress Lucy Wolvert.