Story perspectives

Police Condemn Tom Phillips After Shootout, Children Found Safe

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

An urgent injunction was issued on September 10, 2025, preventing media from disclosing details about the investigation into Tom Phillips and his family.
Phillips died in a shootout with police during a burglary attempt in Piopio, resulting in a critically injured officer.
After more than 12 hours of searching, police found the missing children safe at a campsite 2 km from the shootout location.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers condemned Phillips, labeling him "no hero" for jeopardizing his children's safety.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell supported this view, criticizing Phillips' actions and their consequences for his children.

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Story summary

An urgent injunction was issued on September 10, 2025, preventing media from disclosing details about the investigation into Tom Phillips and his family.
Phillips died in a shootout with police during a burglary attempt in Piopio, resulting in a critically injured officer.
After more than 12 hours of searching, police found the missing children safe at a campsite 2 km from the shootout location.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers condemned Phillips, labeling him "no hero" for jeopardizing his children's safety.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell supported this view, criticizing Phillips' actions and their consequences for his children.