Police have told residents of a tiny King Country settlement and the surrounding area there will continue to be an increased police presence as the search continues for Tom Phillips and his three children.
Although police could not give specific details, they said investigators continue to assess and follow-up on information and tip-offs relating to the search.
In the township of Marokopa, however, people close to Phillips said he should be left alone.
Police manhunt continues, two days after a reward was offered for information leading to Tom Phillips and his three children. (Source: 1News)
Police acting detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said today: "Residents of Marokopa and the surrounding area will continue to see an increased police presence in the area over the next days and we continue to urge people to approach our staff if they have credible, current information that could lead to the safe return of the children."
During the two and a half years since the missing person investigation began, police have regularly received reports of alleged sightings of Tom, Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda Phillips, 10, Saunders said.
At Marokopa today however, a member of Phillips' family, Charlie Vicary, said police should forget about the missing man.
"They should leave him alone, because he's done nothing wrong," said Vicary.
On the attempted bank robbery police charged Phillips for last year, the family member said: "I don't believe it was him".
"The bike didn't belong to him I don't think.
"I don't think Tom would have done it ... he's getting the blame for everything now."
Another local also told 1News that police should "leave Tom Phillips alone".
He didn't want to go on camera, but he said most people here thought Phillips had "not done anything wrong". He also said if the community genuinely thought the children were in trouble, they would have alerted authorities "long before now".
Others hoped the $80,000 reward for information which leads to their finding will produce results.
Yesterday, another Marokopa resident told 1News: "It needs to come to an end. But it will have to come to an end."
"While we acknowledge that there are varying views held on this missing person investigation, police remain focused on the location and safe return of the Phillips children," police said.
"We have concerns for the welfare of the children who have been living in isolation for the past two-and-a-half years, with no connection to others and without formal education and health care."
Police acting detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said: "I want to acknowledge the ongoing disruption to the Marokopa community as the missing person investigation in the area continues, and to extend our thanks the those affected for their co-operation and understanding."
Police urged others to approach staff if they have credible, current information which could lead to the safe return of the children.
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