In one of the most disturbing revelations of the Tom Phillips case, investigators have confirmed that the three children who spent four years hidden in the wild with their father were not drinking water. Instead, detectives discovered dozens of old plastic containers filled with a foul-smelling liquid that Tom had been secretly giving to the children as their main source of hydration.
The discovery was made during a full sweep of the camp where Phillips had been raising the children in isolation. Forensic teams initially believed the containers were used for storing rainwater. But when tested, the liquid was found to be a strange concoction of rainwater, crushed forest herbs, and—most shockingly—traces of animal blood.
Police sources told reporters that Tom referred to this brew as “the Strength Drink,” insisting it would “make the children immune to the outside world.” The children, now in protective custody, admitted to investigators that they were forced to consume it daily and were punished if they refused.
Experts are horrified. “This is not just dangerous—it’s life-threatening,” said one toxicologist. “Consuming animal blood and unfiltered forest matter for extended periods can cause long-term damage to the organs and immune system. The fact that these children survived is remarkable.”
The children’s mother, who has been reunited with them, was reportedly devastated upon learning the truth. “For years I imagined them drinking water from streams,” she told close friends. “I never thought it was something this horrific.”
Detectives have not yet confirmed whether Tom Phillips brewed the mixture himself or if he had outside help sourcing the substances. However, the chilling detail adds to growing suspicions that Phillips was not acting entirely alone in keeping the children alive under such extreme conditions.
For now, the question remains: Why did he make them drink it—and who taught him how