Family's plea to fugitive dad on the run with children for nearly four years

The family of a father who disappeared with his three children nearly four years ago in New Zealand have broken their silence to appeal for him to return home.

In December 2021, Tom Phillips vanished into the wilderness with his two daughters and son - but his family have said they still remain hopeful "today will be the day you all come home". Phillips, along with Jayda, now aged 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine, were last believed to have been seen in a "credible sighting" last October hiking through a bush area near Marokopa on the country's North Island.

For the first time, his family have directly appealed to Phillips in the hope that "just maybe, he's going to see this" and "that we are here for him". In an interview with New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower, his sister Rozzi Phillips said she missed being part of her brother's life, adding "I really want to see you" and "you're very special to me".

She also read out a handwritten message from Phillips' mother, Julia, which came from her "heart, just to her son". "Tom, I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this, not considering how much we love you and could support you," she said.

"It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here, thinking what could have been if you'd not gone away." According to New Zealand news site, Stuff, the letter ended with a message for the three children. "We love you so much and really miss being part of your lives," it read.

"Every day we wake up and hope that today will be the day you all come home." Read more from Sky News:Swedish church being moved three milesHurricane Erin makes for uncertain UK weather forecast Ms Phillips said her brother is a skilled builder and would have constructed a shelter. Police believe his actions could be linked to a custody battle.

There have been numerous reported sightings since December 2021. The most recent last October was said to be from a distance when the group were seen wearing camouflage gear and carrying large camping backpacks..