In brief
New Zealand police have released images from a remote bush campsite believed to be where fugitive Tom Phillips hid with his three children for years. After a lengthy search, two of the children were located shortly after Phillips was killed in a shootout with police. Officials revealed that Phillips demonstrated a disregard for the children’s safety, surrounding himself with firearms and veering from legal custody. The surviving children are now under the care of authorities as efforts to support their recovery begin.
Police have released the first images of what they believe is one of many campsites where a New Zealand father on the run hid with his three children for years.
Two of Tom Phillips' children were found at the site in the Waikato region on Monday, hours after he was killed in a shootout with the police.
Police found them with the help of the third child, who was with Phillips when he died. They said the children are 'doing well', but will take time to recover from the ordeal.
Shortly before Christmas in 2021, Phillips disappeared with his children – Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, then aged eight, seven, and five respectively. Police believe he did so after losing legal custody of them.
Phillips had 'no regard' for the children's safety and 'quite literally put [them] in harm's way', Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told the media on Tuesday, adding that they are now in the care of authorities.
A stash of firearms and ammunition was also found at the campsite, which is surrounded by dense vegetation. By the time authorities arrived at the site, the search for the two children had been underway for nearly 12 hours.
In the early hours of Monday, police responded to a report of an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply shop in the small town of Piopio, where they entered into a shootout with Phillips. An officer was seriously injured after Phillips fired at him with a high-powered rifle. Chambers stated that police have 'absolutely no doubt' that it was intended to kill the officer.
The injured officer has undergone several surgeries but still has a long road ahead of him, according to Chambers.
Phillips' case has gripped New Zealand since he became a fugitive nearly four years ago. Despite Monday's events suggesting closure, police continue to seek answers regarding how Phillips evaded capture and secured firearms.
Officials did not address queries regarding the children's mother, Cat, and whether family members are in contact with the children. Our priority is to ensure these children are looked after and that there is a careful plan involving everyone at the right time, said Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
On Monday, Cat expressed relief that the ordeal was over but acknowledged her sadness over the unfolding events.
