Cairns stabbing: Eight children found dead at a home in Cairns

• Eight victims aged 18 months to 15 years discovered in Cairns home
• Bodies reportedly found by 20-year-old brother
• 34-year-old woman suffering chest wound helping police with inquiries
• ‘Extremely distressing’ scene greeted first-response officers
• Prime Minister Tony Abbott describes the news as ‘heartbreaking’

QUEENSLAND Police have confirmed that eight children have been found dead at a home in Cairns.

Reports suggest they were killed in a mass stabbing with the victims eight children ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years.

Emergency crews were called to the address on Murray Street in Manoora at 11.20am.

A 34-year-old woman has been taken to hospital from the scene and is reportedly in a stable condition. The Queensland Ambulance Service says the woman had a wound to her chest.

The 34-year-old’s cousin, Lisa Thaiday, told AAP at the scene that the children were all siblings.

The woman was their mother, she said.