Authorities have deemed a reported sighting of fugitive Marokopa father Tom Phillips and his children last week as “credible” following police inquiries.
However, a land and air-assisted search in the Marokopa area located “nothing of significance” over the weekend. The sighting came from a young group of pig hunters, who gave their findings to police on Thursday, the NZ Herald reported.
In an update today, Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said police had since carried out a three-day land search, assisted by an Air Force helicopter.
Police said they had deemed last week’s sighting as “credible” following inquiries.
Saunders said: “Investigators received information about 7pm on Thursday that Tom had been seen in bush area west of Coutts Road in Marokopa with Jayda, Maverick and Ember.
“Our enquiries have established that this was a credible sighting, and police believe it was indeed Tom and his children. Police dispatched staff to the Marokopa area on Thursday night and a three-day search was commenced.”
Waikato police are seeking sightings of a quad bike believed to have been stolen by Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips. (Source: 1News)
Phillips and his children Ember, Maverick, and Jayda have been missing since December 2021.
The detective inspector said: “Part of the search phase included air support from the police Eagle helicopter and a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter.
“While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps.
“This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”
Police are continuing to urge those in the Marokopa community to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, “no matter how minor,” Saunders said.
Police have urged people who have credible, current information to “come forward now”. (Source: 1News)
Phillips has been sought by police for many months, and there is a warrant for his arrest related to aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He does not have legal custody of the children.
Earlier this year, a an $80,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the missing children was offered by police. The reward was only available for two weeks and did not lead to the children’s return.
At the time, police said there were at least 50 pieces of information that were worthy of consideration while the reward was outstanding.
A member of Phillips’ family has previously said that he was home-schooled and so was most likely home-schooling the children.
Police manhunt continues, two days after a reward was offered for information leading to Tom Phillips and his three children. (Source: 1News)
The well-being of the three children was a main concern for the community, those in the region said at the time.
It was believed by locals that someone was helping Phillips, including providing food, shelter and clothing.