Eight children killed in Australia mass stabbing

Eight children have been found dead in a suspected mass stabbing at a home near the city of Cairns, in northern Australia, police said Friday.

Police were called to the home after receiving reports of a woman in her 30s with serious injuries.

"Cairns detectives have established a crime scene and begun an investigation into the death of eight children this morning," police said. "During an examination of the residence police located the bodies of the children, all aged between 18 months and 15 years."

The woman, who Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said he believes is the mother of seven of the children, is receiving treatment for stab wounds at a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

Lisa Thaiday, who said she is the stabbed woman's cousin, said the children were all siblings and that the injured woman was their mother.

"I just can't believe it. We just found out (about) those poor babies," Thaiday said.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the deaths in Cairns were "heartbreaking."

"All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened," he said in a statement. "This is an unspeakable crime. Tonight, there will be tears and prayers across our country for these children."

Dozens of police are on the scene and have roped off the house.

Asnicar called the event "tragic," but that the situation was contained.

"As it stands at the moment, there's no need for the public to be concerned about this other than the fact that it's a tragic, tragic event," Asnicar said. "The situation is well controlled."

"These events are extremely distressing for everyone of course and police officers aren't immune from that - we're human beings as well," Asnicar said.

The incident is the second tragedy to hit Australia in a week. On Monday, a gunman took 18 people hostage in a central Sydney cafe. Two hostages and the gunman were killed when police stormed the cafe in an attempt to end the 16-hour siege.

bw/av,lw (AP, AFP, Reuters)