Student makes bizarre joke that she may be Madeleine McCann

A Manchester student has gone viral after making ridiculous claims she is Madeleine McCann because she has a similar mark in her eye and on her leg.

Harriet Brookes sent a message to friend where she made the bizarre claim which was later shared on the internet by 30,000 people, reports The Daily Mail.

The group chat, which is clearly an ill-judged joke, opened with: "Right guys. I don't usually believe in conspiracy theories but honestly I think I'm Madeleine McCann."

Ms Brookes shared her suspicions on a group chat with several of her friends. Photo / Facebook, Harriet Brookes

Her friends ridiculed the claims, but she continued: "I'm Madeleine McCann and I don't know what to do with myself."

Ms Brookes shared her suspicions on a group chat with several of her friends. Photo / Facebook, Harriet Brookes

Madeleine McCann disappeared from Portugal in May 2007 and would be 14 years of age.

However, Ms Brookes studied at the University of Leeds.

One social media user claimed: "Are you even Madeleine or are you just joking messing with peoples head."

Sue Garland on Facebook said: "So in summing up: 'Woman acts like a complete attention seeking idiot by announcing she is a missing child at least five years younger than she is.' No you are not Madeleine love, I hope that clears that up!"

Another commentator said "She put it in a group chat for a laugh."

Ms Brookes responded to the criticism claiming the post was a joke which has gone over those people's heads.

Harriet Brookes told friends that she has a similar mark in her eye as Madeline McCann. Photo / Facebook, Harriet Brookes

The Metropolitan Police announced last month it planned to continue its investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

Operation Grange has completed the vast majority of its work and is concentrating on a small number of focused leads.

Scotland Yard began investigating the disappearance in May 2011 with officers reviewing more than 40,000 documents.

The team have taken 1338 statements and collected 1027 exhibits. Officers have probed more than 60 people of interest while the team has considered 650 sex offenders.

In total, there have been 8685 potential sightings of Madeleine across the globe.