Waikato police are continuing to make enquiries after a sighting of missing Marakopa man Tom Phillips and his three children was reported on Thursday evening.

“Investigators received information about 7pm on Thursday that Tom had been seen in bush area west of Coutts Road in Marokopa with Jayda, Maverick and Ember,” Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders says.

“Our enquiries have established that this was a credible sighting, and police believe it was indeed Tom and his children.”

Tom Phillips and his children were reported missing from Marokopa by family on January 18, 2022.

Police dispatched staff to the Marokopa area on Thursday night and a three-day search was commenced.

Part of the search phase included air support from the police Eagle helicopter and a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter.

“While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps,” Saunders says.

“This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”

Police continue to urge those in the Marokopa community to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, no matter how minor, to police.

“If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use reference number 211218/5611.”

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.