The search for missing British father Tom Phillips and his three children has taken a chilling turn after New Zealand police discovered their abandoned campsite deep within the rugged Waikato bushland.
The discovery, described by authorities as 'concerning', was made on Tuesday in the remote area of Marokopa. Police located the family's white Toyota Hilux ute, along with a tent and a number of personal items, confirming the site had been recently occupied. However, there was no sign of Tom, Jayda, Maverick, or Ember.
A Prolonged and Puzzling Disappearance
This breakthrough comes after an extensive and fraught 20-day search operation. Tom Phillips and his children were last seen on the 11th of September, and were officially reported missing days later, sparking a major land and air search effort across the challenging terrain.
This is not the first time the family has vanished. The community was gripped by a similar mystery in 2021, when Phillips and the children disappeared for 17 days before unexpectedly reappearing, offering little explanation for their absence. That previous incident has added a complex layer to the current investigation.
Community Hopes and Police Appeals
The local Marokopa community, a tight-knit rural area, has been holding onto hope for the family's safe return. The children's mother and Phillips' estranged partner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been desperately seeking answers and their safe recovery.
New Zealand police have reiterated their appeal for information. Detective Inspector Will Loughrin stated that finding the campsite is a significant step, but the priority remains locating Tom and the children safe and well. He urged anyone, including Tom himself, to make contact with authorities to confirm their safety.
The investigation continues as forensic teams examine the found items and search teams scour the surrounding dense bush. The mystery of why the family left and where they are now continues to haunt all those involved in the search.
