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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Anita McSorley

Timeline of girl claiming to be Madeleine McCann amid DNA saga as controversial Instagram deleted

It’s been two weeks since a woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann went viral on the internet.

Madeleine was just four years old when she disappeared from her holiday apartment while on holiday in Praia da Luz in Portugal in 2007.

Mystery has surrounded the search for Madeleine in recent years but no trace of her has ever been found.

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Julia Wandelt set up an Instagram account in mid-February and claimed that she is missing Madeleine.

The 21-year-old from Poland claims to have a freckle on her leg and a speck in her eye in the same places as the British girl, as well as looking similar to Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry.

The Instagram profile, which consisted of dozens of posts she thinks acts as proof, racked up more than 1 million followers - but has since been deleted.

From calling for DNA tests, to getting a psychic involved - here’s a timeline of what’s happened in recent weeks.

February 15– Julia claims she’s Madeleine McCann live on Instagram

A bizarre video emerged of a woman who claimed she "could be Madeleine McCann" and quickly went viral.

Julia said she was 21, but isn’t sure of her real identity or age. She claimed to have a freckle on her leg and a speck in her eye in the same places as Madeleine.

Answering questions in the video, which appeared to be posted live on Instagram, she was asked when she first started thinking she might have been Madeleine to which she said: “A few months ago”... “It was something I heard from my grandma.”

February 19 - McCann family reportedly agree to a DNA test

Julia claimed that the missing girl’s family asked her to take a DNA test.

A source close to the McCanns said: “The family are taking no chances, they are willing to look at all leads. It is important they look at all of the factors, the girl does look similar. There’s no disputing that.

“If what she says is true, there is every chance it could be her. It all adds up.”

At the time, it was believed that a McCann family member came forward to offer to take part in a DNA test.

Julia said she hoped to make direct contact with the parents of Madeleine. The McCanns were ­approached by the Sunday Mirror for comment.

February 20 to 25 - Julia continues to publish ‘evidence’ on Instagram

Julia uploaded a video of her smile, that she thinks is more 'proof' she is the missing girl.

In an attempt to further prove that she is the missing youngster, she shared a video showing a picture of Madeleine’s mum Kate McCann which transitions into an image of her own face, suggesting similarities between the two.

Undated family handout file photo of missing Madeleine McCann (PA)

It's just one of multiple posts she uploaded that she thinks act as 'proof'.

February 24 - Julia’s parents speak out and Polish police issue statement

Polish Officials shot down Julia's case after her family published a statement accusing the young woman of allegedly suffering from psychiatric issues.

Pawel Noga of the Provincial Police Headquarters in the western city of Wroclaw said investigators have “ruled out” Wendell’s claim after meeting with her biological family.

Mr Noga spoke to the Polish news outlet, Gazeta, and revealed that Wendell's relatives had shown authorities a birth certificate and photos in a desperate bid to bring an end to the media storm.

February 28 - Julia meets with private investigator and psychic

Julia said she has “lots to reveal” after meeting with a psychic.

Julia Wandelt and Dr Fia Johansson (Instagram)

She shared details of her meeting with Dr Fia Johansson, a private detective and psychic, who flew to Poland to help with her case. She uploaded a video of the pair hugging, and wrote: “We have lots to reveal."

March 3 - Instagram account taken down or deleted

Julia’s Instagram account has either been taken down or deleted.

She had been documenting her claims and supposed evidence on the account, which has over 1.1 million followers.

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