Remote hideout of Tom Phillips revealed after New Zealand police shooting

Police authorities in New Zealand have issued the images of the remote bush hideout of Tom Phillip after the fugitive father of three children was killed in a deadly police shooting on Monday.

Phillip was on the run for four years hiding in the wilderness with his children. Recently, in a fatal shootout, he was killed in an exchange of fire with police.

According to acting deputy police commissioner, Jill Rogers, Phillips was equipped with a high-powered rifle and he also shot a police officer in a standoff.

After hours of shooting, children named Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember 9 were rescued safely by police authorities at the remote campsite in Waitomo, which was 2km away from the site of the incident.

Police commissioner Richard Chambers issued a statement in a press conference, shedding light on the presence of ammunition and firearms at the hideout.

According to Chambers, the campsite was located in “deep bush and could not be easily accessible for anyone.”

The images released by officials showed tyres, quad bikes, and cans of soft drinks scattered round the hideout covered by dense bushland.

Chambers also showed resolve to find potential accomplices as Phillips was able to access ammunition.

As reported by officials, the fugitive was on the run since December 2021 after losing the legal custody of children. The mother expressed joy over the safe rescue operation of the children.