NZ Herald reporter Raphael Franks gives update from Waipuna Road.
Five days after Tom Phillips’ death, the scene examination of the remote camping sites used by Phillips and his children is nearing completion, with cordons expected to lift today.
Cordons have remained in place at the scene of the shooting since Monday, but they are expected to be liftedand the road reopened later today.
Police are working through areas of dense bush and difficult terrain in poor weather, where the makeshift sites were found.
Waikato Acting District Commander Andrea McBeth said while the scene examination is wrapping up, this phase of investigation work remains in its early stages.
“We have a dedicated team working meticulously to examine the items that police have collected from the sites. 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.”
Police at the location of one of the campsites just off the Te Anga Rd. Photo / Dean Purcell
“The events of this week are unprecedented, and we understand there has been a lot of angst amongst the community, and the investigation team is committed to leaving no stone unturned as inquiries continue,” McBeth said.
Phillips was shot dead by police on Monday after four years on the run with his children.
In a stand-off, he shot a police officer multiple times. The officer is recovering in hospital.
Phillips was found on a quad bike with one of his children after a burglary at a farm store in Piopio. The child helped lead police to their siblings at a bush campsite.
Cordons have remained in place at the scene of the shooting since Monday, but they are expected to be lifted and the road reopened later today. Photo / George Heard
Phillips had been on the run since December 2021, when he disappeared with his three children from their family farm in Marokopa. Jayda, Maverick and Ember were 8, 7 and 5 when they went into hiding. They are now 12, 10 and 9.
The children’s mother said that “they have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care”.
The children are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki.
A number of areas in western Waikato remain cordoned off as police process evidence.
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