Eight children have been found dead in a home in the northern Australian city of Cairns.
A woman suffering stab wounds was also found in the property, police said.
Police believe the 34-year-old woman with wounds to the chest is the mother of seven of the children, and the eighth child is believed to be one of her relatives, Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said.
Police at the scene of the stabbing in the Cairns suburb of Manoora
She was receiving treatment for her injuries and was in stable condition at a hospital.
Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries.
When police got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years.
Asnicar declined to say how the children died. Forensic teams were still inside the home collecting evidence.
Friends and neighbours comfort each other in the aftermath of the tragedy
"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 at the moment. There shouldn't be any concern for anyone else out of this environment."
Officials had not yet identified any suspects, but were talking to a range of people, he said.
"Everybody who's had any involvement at all in the past two or three days is a person of interest," Asnicar said.
Acting Chief Superintendent Russell Miller said officials believe it was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the rest of the community.
Lisa Thaiday, who said she was the injured woman's cousin, said one of the woman's other sons, a 20-year-old, came home and found his brothers and sisters dead inside the house.
"I'm going to see him now, he needs comforting," Thaiday said. "We're a big family ... I just can't believe it. We just found out (about) those poor babies."
Stabbing in Manoora
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(01 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
Australia Children Killed(02 of70)
Police block the road outside a house where eight children have been found dead the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Australia Children Killed(03 of70)
Locals sit on the sidewalk near a house police have blocked off as a crime scene where eight children have been found dead in the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Australia Children Killed(04 of70)
Police carry equipment near a road block outside a house where eight children have been found dead in the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Manoora Stabbing(05 of70)
A police at an address in Manoora near Cairns where up to eight victims have reportedly been stabbed to death in a far north Queensland Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. It is believed seven of the victims are children, while it's understood a woman has been taken to hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Cleo Fraser) (credit:CLEO FRASER/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(06 of70)
A police at an address in Manoora near Cairns where up to eight victims have reportedly been stabbed to death in a far north Queensland Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. It is believed seven of the victims are children, while it's understood a woman has been taken to hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Cleo Fraser) (credit:CLEO FRASER/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(07 of70)
A police at an address in Manoora near Cairns where up to eight victims have reportedly been stabbed to death in a far north Queensland Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. It is believed seven of the victims are children, while it's understood a woman has been taken to hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Cleo Fraser) (credit:CLEO FRASER/AAP)
Australia Children Killed(08 of70)
Forensic police arrive at a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight dead children and a woman suffering from stab wounds were found inside a home in a northern Australian city on Friday, police said. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries. (AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Manoora Stabbing(09 of70)
Police attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(10 of70)
Police attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(11 of70)
Police attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(12 of70)
People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(13 of70)
Police and a male believed to be a relative of the victims attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(14 of70)
Police and a male believed to be a relative of the victims attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(15 of70)
People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(16 of70)
Locals grieve at the scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(17 of70)
People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Australia Children Killed(18 of70)
Emergency services workers cover off the perimeter fence of a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries.When police got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years. (AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Australia Children Killed(19 of70)
Police patrol near a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday Dec 19, 2014. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries. When police got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:Graeme Bint/AP)
Manoora Stabbing(20 of70)
Police talk to distraught locals at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(21 of70)
Distraught locals at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(22 of70)
Distraught locals embrace at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(23 of70)
Emergency services and police attend a crime scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(24 of70)
People arrive at the scene to lay flowers after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(25 of70)
Cristal Aitkenson arrives at the scene to lay flowers after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(26 of70)
Queensland Police Superintendent Russell Miller speaks to media at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(27 of70)
Queensland Police Superintendent Russell Miller speaks to media at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(28 of70)
Cairns Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar speaks to media at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(29 of70)
Police and emergency services attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(30 of70)
Emergency services attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(31 of70)
Flowers left at the scene after eight children were found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
Manoora Stabbing(32 of70)
Emergency services attend a crime scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora near Cairns, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, have been found dead in a house in Cairns, with a woman believed to be their mother in hospital with stab wounds. (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) (credit:ROMY BULLERJAHN/AAP)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(33 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A woman reacts at the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(34 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(35 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) A woman reacts at the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(36 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(37 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(38 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: (AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND OUT) Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Dominic Chaplin/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) (credit:Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(39 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(40 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(41 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(42 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(43 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(44 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(45 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a mutliple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(46 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(47 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(48 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Flowers are seen laying up against a fence across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(49 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Flowers and a memorial note are seen laying up against a fence across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(50 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police carry flowers to the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(51 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Members of the public lay a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(52 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: A member of the public lays a a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(53 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Flowers and a memorial note are seen laying up against a fence across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(54 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(55 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: A member of the public lays a a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(56 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: A member of the public lays a a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(57 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Members of the public lay a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(58 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Flowers and toys are seen laying up against a fence across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(59 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Members of the public arrive to lay flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(60 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(61 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: A mother and daughter of the public lay a bunch of flowers across the road from the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(62 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
8 Children Found Dead In North Queensland Home(63 of70)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 19: Police attend the scene of a multiple stabbing in the suburb of Manoora on December 19, 2014 in Cairns, Australia. Eight children have been found dead and a 34-year-old woman is in hospital with chest injuries at a home in North Queensland. The children, aged 18 months to 15 years have reportedly been stabbed and the women is said to be stable and cooperating with police. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)
Australia Children Killed(64 of70)
Police block the road outside a house where eight children have been found dead the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(65 of70)
Locals sit on the sidewalk near a house police have blocked off as a crime scene where eight children have been found dead in the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(66 of70)
Police carry equipment near a road block outside a house where eight children have been found dead in the Cairns suburb of Manoora, Australia, Friday Dec. 19, 2014. Police said when they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside the home. The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(67 of70)
Police patrol near a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday Dec 19, 2014. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries. When police got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(68 of70)
Emergency services workers cover off the perimeter fence of a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries.When police got to the house, they found the bodies of the children inside, ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years. (AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(69 of70)
Police block the road outside a house where eight children have been found dead in a suburb of Cairns in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight dead children and a woman suffering from stab wounds were found inside a home in a northern Australian city on Friday, police said. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries.(AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia Children Killed(70 of70)
Forensic police arrive at a house where eight children have been found dead in a Cairns suburb in far north Queensland, Australia, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Eight dead children and a woman suffering from stab wounds were found inside a home in a northern Australian city on Friday, police said. Queensland state police said they were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries. (AP Photo/Graeme Bint) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The street has been cordoned off and a crime scene will remain in place for at least the next day, Asnicar said.
Dozens of police descended on the home, and crowds of locals stood outside the police barricades, some of them wiping away tears.
"These events are extremely distressing for everyone of course and police officers aren't immune from that — we're human beings as well," Ascinar said.
The tragedy comes as Australia is still reeling from the shock of a deadly siege in a Sydney cafe earlier this week. On Monday, a gunman burst into a cafe in the heart of the city and took 18 people inside hostage. Two hostages were killed along with the gunman after police stormed in 16 hours later in a bid to end the siege.
"The news out of Cairns is heartbreaking," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement. "All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened. This is an unspeakable crime. These are trying days for our country."