'Grim, dimly lit': More photos released of Tom Phillips' camp
By Kate Green of RNZ
Police believe they've discovered the main campsite used by Tom Phillips and his children in recent months.
It was found about 200 metres away from the site where the younger children were found on Monday, across some difficult terrain, of which pictures were released yesterday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said the site was difficult to access and well hidden, and police were now working on steep and uneven ground to document evidence from the scene.
Photos: NZ police
"It's a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush," he said."It's a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush," he said.
A tent was discovered, well-covered and dry.
Officers were analysing a number of items, he said, and it was now clear Phillips had outside help.
The police vehicles and the quad bike from the scene of Monday's shooting were removed from Te Anga Road last night, and police would continue their examination of the area today and tomorrow.
The officer injured on Monday remained in Waikato Hospital.
"Operation Curly", as it was known, which was focused on locating Phillips and the safe return of the children, was now at an end.
Police are now seeking anyone who might have helped Phillips.
"While no one wanted it to end in these circumstances, it is highly satisfying as an investigator that the children have been safely returned," Saunders said.
Police are due to speak to media in the next hour in central Hamilton.
Phillips was killed and a constable seriously injured on Monday morning and the three children who've been in hiding with their father for almost four years are with Oranga Tamariki.
Police on Tuesday released photos of the campsite where two of his children were found.Police on Tuesday released photos of the campsite where two of his children were found.
It's been revealed today that a film crew from NHNZ Productions has been following the police investigation for a year and has been given exclusive access to the campsite. The crew is filming for a documentary being produced by Dame Julie Christie.
Meanwhile, the children's mother has told RNZ's Mata she was yet to be told what the plan to reunite her and her children was and there was still no timeline.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was sympathetic to Cat but it was "a complex situation" with authorities governed by court orders.
More to come...