QLD Police have confirmed eight children have been killed in Cairns stabbing tragedy. http://t.co/TfSkqwDUU4 pic.twitter.com/jmZgzEaWo9 — The West Australian (@westaustralian) December 19, 2014

Tragedy struck Australia again on Friday morning as eight children have been found dead at a home in a suburb of the city of Cairns in the northeastern state of Queensland. One woman, reportedly 34 years old, was found with serious injuries at the scene and is aiding the police investigation.

We can confirm Cairns detectives have established a crime scene & begun an investigation into the deaths of 8 children in Manoora today. — Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 19, 2014

During an examination of a residence police located the bodies of the children, all aged between 18 months and 15 years. #Manoora — Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 19, 2014

“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,” Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said. “The situation is well controlled.”

This story is developing, we’ll update with new information as it becomes available.

*This post has been updated.

