Police have been searching for Tom Phillips for years after he reportedly took his three children from their family home in New Zealand.

Authorities had previously said they believe Phillips took the kids, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine, in December 2021 after losing legal custody to their mother, Cat.

Police were seemingly getting closer to locating Phillips after CCTV footage appeared to capture him and one of his children on camera, in full body clothing, attempting a break in.

The clip sees the pair breaking into a store in the small town of Piopio in the early hours earlier this week before driving off on a quad bike.

Phillips is believed to have unsuccessfully targeted the same shop in November 2023.

Phillips and one of his child had recently been captured on CCTV (New Zealand Police)

Police were able to locate the father on September 8 and confirmed a shootout occurred.

According to acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jill Rogers the shootout resulted in Phillips being fatally wounded on Waitomo Road.

Rogers said that one of the missing children was with him when he opened fire at an officer, critically injuring them in the head.

Phillips sister Rozzi Phillips confirmed that she was aware of the shooting and said that she and the rest of the immediate family were aware of the situation.

Following the shooting, authorities said they were still concerned for the wellbeing of the other children and would continue the search.

Not long after, Rogers confirmed that the two other children had been located and were discovered unharmed and have since been taken for medical checks.

Rogers said the children had been cooperating with officials since being discovered and the deputy commissioner noted it is not clear yet whether they are aware of Phillips death.

Cat last saw her children in 2021 and has now been informed that they have been found (New Zealand Herald)

The children’s mother has also been informed that the children have been located, however Rogers has not clarified whether she, or the children’s grandparents will be involved in the care of the children going forward.

Prior to the shootout, Phillips family had issued a plea for him to return the children and turn himself in.

His mom Julia penned in a handwritten note: “Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home.

“Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here.

“Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”