Featured Image Credit: NZ Police
Topics: New Zealand, Crime, World News
Callum Jones
New drone footage has revealed 'critical' items that were recovered from the campsite where Tom Phillips hid with his children in New Zealand.
Phillips disappeared with his three children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, who were all eight, seven, and five at the time they vanished in 2021.
The New Zealand father was shot dead in a shootout with police in the small town of Marokopa, on the west coast of the Waikato region on Monday (September 8).
Police had received a call of a break-in at a small farm supply shop in the early hours of the morning, and they were greeted by two suspects, Phillips and one of his children, on quad bikes.
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Gunfire subsequently followed, with authorities confirming one officer was shot in the head, leaving them in critical condition. Meanwhile, a second officer responded to the gunfire, leading to the Phillip's death at the scene.
After a search, police later found Phillips' other two children safe.
Now, drone footage captured by the New Zealand Herald has detailed a pile of items found some 7km from the site where Phillips was fatally shot.
Officials discovered a quad bike and a motorbike on the site, as well as items such as plastic containers, tarpaulins, oil containers, a milk bottle, tyres and a bike helmet.
"The quad bike and motorbike pictured are relevant to the investigation, however the pile of rubbish in the same photo is unrelated to the investigation," New Zealand Police said.
"All material related to the investigation has now been removed from the area."
Police have collected many items from what they believe to be two campsites used by Phillips over the past four years, with a team in place to examine these.
Waikato Acting District Commander Andrea McBeth said: "These items will be critical into determining who exactly has been helping Tom. The campsites will be dismantled following the conclusion of the scene examination and the key items will be secured as evidence."
The children’s mother, Cat, issued a statement after it was confirmed that Phillips died and that her children were found safe.
She said (via RNZ): “First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (children) this ordeal has come to an end. [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
"At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved."