An emotional sister has pleaded with her fugitive brother to return home - along with his three young children, who disappeared with him years ago.

Tom Phillips has been on the run for nearly four years with Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and nine year old Ember. It's believed he's been hiding in the remote wilderness of New Zealand's Waikato region, but authorities there report few potential sightings of the father.

Phillips, 38, wanted for an armed robbery, has had the Waikato area thoroughly searched by authorities who have appealed to any potential accomplices to strike "a deal" to reveal Phillips' location. His sister, Rozzi Pethybridge, is particularly worried about the children, who have endured harsh winters in the wilderness. The plea has come after police escalated the hunt for man, 24, after he escaped hospital.

In a heartfelt plea today, Rozzi said: "I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again. You're very special to me. You're my friend, as well as my brother, and I love you, and it's okay."

Jayda, Maverick and Ember have been forced to grow up in the most severe and unnatural circumstances since Phillips vanished with them. Urging Phillips to surrender himself for the sake of the children, Rozzi continued: "There's a lot of love and there's a lot of support, and we're ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.", reports the Mirror.

In her first interview since her brother disappeared, Rozzi expressed hope that her dramatic intervention in this extraordinary case would make a difference. Her efforts may be bolstered by a heartfelt letter penned by Rozzi and Phillips' mother Julia, which has been released through New Zealand media outlets.

The letter states: "I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. 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 had not gone away. Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives."

During her conversation with New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower, Rozzi expressed confidence in the police force, which has seemingly adopted what many view as a shift in approach over recent months. Following Rozzi's public plea, Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders declared: "Let's work out a negotiation, and let's get everyone out of there safely. We're willing to negotiate with anyone who is actually helping Tom and in communication with him."

Phillips and his children vanished in 2021, at which point he had been estranged from his wife for several years and had reportedly been granted custody of the youngsters, whom he was educating at home. Nevertheless, Phillips is alleged to have stolen a motorbike and, accompanied by a petite female accomplice, robbed a bank at gunpoint.