��һ�ǿ�����

- Police offer an $80,000 reward for information on Tom Phillips’ missing children.��

- Phillips, whose last reported sighting was in August, is believed to be aided by associates in evading capture.��

- The reward includes immunity from prosecution, valid until June 25, 2024.��

Waikato police have announced a $80,000 reward for useful information��that will lead to the return of Tom Phillips’ children.����

Police have also deployed a team to Marokopa as the hunt for Phillips and his children enters a new phase.����

The search for Phillips and his three children, Ember (8), Maverick (9) and Jayda (10) ramped up��after a sighting of him last��August after they went missing in December 2021.��

Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said they have concerns “for the welfare of the children who have been living in isolation for the past two-and-a-half years, with no connection to others and without formal education and health care”.��

He said police believe the Phillips is being assisted by other people and they’re urging those people to come forward.��

Saunders said police will be visible in the Marokopa community over the coming days.��

“We are committed to finding these children and we’re willing to take the step of offering a reward if it will prove the tipping point to help people put the children’s welfare first,” Saunders said.��

• Still armed and dangerous: Tom Phillips hiding in or near Marokopa, cops say

“It is hereby notified that a reward of up to $80,000 will be paid for material information or evidence which leads to the location and safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember Phillips.”��

The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will apportion it if there is more than one claimant.”��

Immunity against prosecution will also be considered. The offer will remain in force until 25 June 2024.��

Sightings of Tom Phillips and his children.��

Phillips evaded the attention of police for 19 months before he was��seen shopping while wearing a disguise, stole a car and then got into a fight with a member of the public last August.����

Police then��linked Phillips to a bank robbery last May.����

The latest incident involving Phillips saw him��allegedly steal a bike with one of his children and smash a storefront��on November 2��- almost two years after he and his three children disappeared.��

Information can be provided to the investigation team by contacting the 105 reporting line, quoting the file number 211218/5611, or by emailing to the dedicated email address [email protected].��

“We wish to reiterate that Tom Phillips faces charges in relation to aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a result of a criminal investigation separate to the missing persons investigation,” Saunders said.��

“Police consider him to be armed and he should not be approached. Sightings of Phillips should be reported to Police by calling 111 immediately.”��

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the��Herald��since 2022.��