The New Zealand police have unveiled unsettling images revealing where fugitive father Tom Phillips concealed his three children in the wilderness, just weeks before he was fatally shot.

Tom Phillips' ex-wife Cat initially alerted authorities in December 2021, expressing concern over his apparent disappearance along with their three children - daughters Jayda, 12, Ember, nine, and son Maverick, 10.

The family resided in the North Island rural community of Marokopa, and it was believed that they hadn't traveled far beyond.

Over the years, investigating officers combed through grasslands and forests, hoping to locate any sign of the four - given that Phillips did not have custody of the children - but unfortunately faced difficulties.

It was only earlier this week that the grim truth came to light, following a police shoot-out resulting in the father's death.

The children's mother reported them missing (YouTube/New Zealand Herald)

Accompanied by one of his children, Phillips attempted to rob an agricultural supplies store in the rural Waikato area, south of Auckland, on Monday morning (8 Sept).

Later, police set a 'trap' to capture him.

Ultimately, the armed father was intercepted after authorities deployed spikes to stop the vehicle he was believed to be driving.

During the arrest attempt, however, Phillips shot an officer in the head, leaving him critically injured.

While the officer is undergoing surgery at a hospital and is expected to survive, Phillips was killed at the scene.

New Zealand’s Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers informed reporters that the officer had been shot 'multiple times with a high-powered rifle', and that the child who accompanied Phillips had been taken into custody.

Jill Rogers has since provided an update on the case (DJ MILLS/AFP via Getty Images)

It took another 13 hours for the location of the fugitive's other two children to be discovered.

The children were eventually found without adult supervision at a secluded campsite their father had set up in the bush, with photos of the site now released by police.

An initial update from police stated: "Several areas in Western Waikato remain under scene guard as Police process evidence following Monday morning’s events."

The official statement further mentioned that 'the camp area in Waitomo and the scene of the shooting remain active crime scenes, with forensic staff on site today to gather evidence', according to PEOPLE Magazine.

It continued: "Three firearms, including the weapon used by Phillips, have been recovered from the scene of the shooting. Several firearms have been located from the area where Phillips was camping, and further details will be shared when they become available."

Images of the campsite have since been released (New Zealand Police)

Two of the unsettling images depict a quad bike nestled in the dense wilderness, alongside several tires, as well as what appears to be cans of soda and a gallon of gas.

Police later confirmed that the two children found at the camp were 'unharmed' and are 'now safe'.

A subsequent release - following an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation, Coronial enquiries, and a Critical Incident Review - declared: "The body of Tom Phillips was removed from the scene late yesterday, and there will be a [post-mortem] tomorrow, after which his body will be released to his family."

Jill Rogers has since provided an update, adding: "Investigation staff are reviewing the areas where the family had been staying, and have been speaking with farmers, locals, and workers in the area.

The photos show where two of the children were found (New Zealand Police)

"This work is to help us build an accurate picture of the movements of Tom Phillips and the children."

The Acting Deputy Police Commissioner continued about the trio: "Our staff described the children as being engaged and they readily spoke with our staff, who provided them with snacks and drinks while they waited to be brought out of the [campsite].

"While they are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki [the Ministry for Children], we will continue to work closely with the children, taking the necessary time and sensitivity after the ordeal they have endured."

Since then, the children's mother Cat has issued a statement to Radio New Zealand, expressing her 'deep relief' over the 'ordeal'.

"First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki [children], this ordeal has concluded," she shared with listeners.

"They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming them home with love and care."

Cat Phillips has since spoken out (RNZ/MATA)

Local outlet RNZ also reported (via the BBC) that the mother-of-three had expressed her 'deepest love' to the injured police officer.

She continued: "At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been for the children to be returned in a peaceful and safe manner for everyone involved."