A fugitive who told police they had 'more chance finding Madeline McCann' fooled thousands of followers into believing he had been captured, before revealing it was all a trick.
Daley Smith, has made headlines with his online taunting of Cheshire Police since going on the run nine months ago.
A post on Facebook which attracted more than 700 comments reads: "For f***s sake. Whole flat is surrounded. I think this is it people."
Many of the page’s followers were left ‘gutted’ by the apparent news.
One wrote 'No, this can’t be' followed by a series of crying emojis.
But two hours later Smith - who turns 30 on Tuesday - admitted it was a ruse and put up a post mimicking the chorus of the Eminem song Without Me was shared.
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It reads: "Guess who's back, back again.
"Daley's back, tell a friend.
"Guess who's back, guess who's back? Guess who's back, guess who's back. Guess who's back, guess who's back? Guess who's back?"
Cheshire Police have confirmed he is still wanted.
It is the second time Smith has tricked his followers into believing he may have been caught.
Back in December, a post appeared on a Facebook page apparently uploaded by Smith’s mother to say he had been arrested but this again proved to be false.
Smith, from Alsager, Cheshire, is wanted ‘in relation to a breach of court order’ after he was charged over alleged drugs offences with Cheshire Police trying to track him down.
He seems to have decided to make a mockery of the appeal after Facebook profiles purporting to be Smith were created last year.
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The latest page regularly updates thousands of social media friends with videos, pictures and memes.
And he has pledged to stay on the run for a year.
Other messages made direct taunts to the police saying they will ‘find it easier to find ‘Madeleine Mccann’.
A rap reads: “Cheshire police have got more chance of finding Madeleine Mcann, I may as well be in Japan, they’ve even been harassing my nan but everything hasn’t gone to plan.
“They’ve f****d with the wrong man, I feel like Peter Pan. So far I don’t know how far I’ve ran but it’s been mad since this journey began.”
Smith has also been charged with possession with intent to supply class B cannabis and concerned with the supply of cocaine, according to police.
He was due in crown court in November but failed to attend.
Cheshire Police said last year that they were aware of the Facebook page and have admitted Smith is still outstanding.
A spokesman said: “We’re appealing for help to trace Daley Smith, 29, from Alsager, who is wanted in relation to a breach of court order.
"We are aware of the Facebook page and are continuing to appeal for information in relation to his whereabouts.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101.
