A set of three-fingered “mummies”* recently discovered in Peru are not human and could be aliens, a scientist has claimed.

Professor Konstantin Korotkov, from the Russian National Research University, said the supposedly ancient remains had human-like features but were not homo sapiens*.

Prof Korotkov has examined mummies found by researchers in Nazca, Peru, which date back as far as 6500 years.

He told Sputnik News: “Each of the little mummies has two arms, two legs, a head, a pair of eyes and a mouth.

“Their DNA features 23 pairs of chromosomes*, just like we have.

“All the four of them are males, each with a Y-chromosome.

“They appear human but they are not.”

Another skeletal* specialist, Dr Edson Vivanco, has also concluded the remains are of “non-human beings”, the Daily Express reported.

While the strange three-fingered and three-toed corpses have been branded fake by other scientists, Dr Vivanco said: “There are lots of details that indicate that the bodies are real.

“To recreate a skull with these characteristics is a very difficult task.”

The scientist insists if they were fake, he would be the “first to say and report it”.

Footage of a so-called mummified alien was released in June last year in the ancient city of Nazca, Peru.

The site claims the body was dug up during an excavation of mysterious caves.

Sceptical* viewers pointed out the “corpse” looks like it is a half-finished cardboard creation.

One viewer commented: “Something seems off. The corpse looks like it was made of plaster.”

Scientists are debating if the mummies are real or fake.

X-rays show a skeletal system similar to humans.

Dr Vivanco rejected the non-believers saying: “Right now, we are studying the evidence. And so far, we haven’t found anything to say it is a fraud*, or that the bodies have been modified or altered in any way.

“We have lots of evidence that sets us on the path to prove that this is real.”