Polish Woman Arrested at Bristol Airport After Claiming to Be Madeleine McCann
Drama at Bristol Airport
A Polish woman who went viral for falsely claiming to be missing child Madeleine McCann has been arrested upon her arrival in the UK. Julia Wandelt, 23, was detained by police at Bristol Airport shortly after landing earlier this evening.
Allegations of Stalking the McCann Family
Wandelt’s lawyer, Surjit Singh Clair, confirmed the arrest, revealing she faces allegations of stalking and harassing Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. Clair said: “I’m trying to find out what’s happened, but it appears Julia has been arrested at Bristol Airport this evening just after she got off the plane. The police have reportedly arrested her on an allegation of stalking and harassing the McCanns.”
The exact details of the stalking claims are still unclear, but reports suggest the McCann family has increased security in response to Wandelt’s previous behaviour.
Famous Fake Claim Sparks Media Frenzy
Wandelt blew up the internet in February 2023 when she launched the Instagram account @IAmMadeleineMcCann, insisting she was the missing daughter of Kate and Gerry. Posting photos and videos, she claimed to share distinctive eye defects with Madeleine, who vanished from a Portuguese holiday apartment in 2007 aged three.
But a DNA test later proved she was not Madeleine, triggering widespread ridicule and criticism of her stunt. Despite this, Wandelt continued to make occasional online statements, insisting doubts remained about her identity.
Police Probe Underway
Avon and Somerset Police have not yet issued an official statement, but Wandelt is understood to remain in custody as she faces questioning over the stalking allegations.
A spokesperson for the McCann family has so far declined to comment on the latest developments.
Madeleine’s Disappearance Remains a Heartbreaking Mystery
Madeleine McCann went missing aged three on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal. The case remains one of the world’s most high-profile missing person investigations.
This story is developing – stay tuned for more updates.
