Local sources from New Zealand: The Guardian, BBC.
UK coverage: ITVX.
Authorities in New Zealand are intensifying their search for Thomas Callam Phillips, a fugitive father who has been on the run with his three children since December 2021. The search efforts gained renewed vigor following a possible sighting of Phillips and one of his children on CCTV footage, breaking into a shop in Piopio. This incident has sparked speculation about Phillips’ survival tactics and whether he is receiving external support while evading capture. Phillips, who faces charges including aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm, was allegedly seen with one of his children stealing milk from a local convenience store in the early hours, according to New Zealand police. This marks the first potential sighting of Phillips with his children since their disappearance, raising concerns about the welfare of the children and the lengths Phillips is willing to go to avoid law enforcement. The Guardian reports that this is the first confirmed sighting in nearly four years, suggesting that Phillips and his children may have been living in the wild, possibly with the help of outsiders. The police have been focusing on the children’s safety, emphasizing the need for their return. Meanwhile, the BBC highlights the release of the new CCTV footage, which shows two individuals believed to be Phillips and one of his children breaking into the Piopio Superette and fleeing the scene on a quad bike. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders expressed ongoing concern for the wellbeing of Phillips’ children, who have been away from their home for an extended period. The family, including Phillips’s mother, has made public appeals for his return, underlining the complex and urgent nature of the situation. As the authorities continue their search, the community remains on alert, hoping for a safe resolution to a case that has gripped the nation for almost four years.
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