Cairns Stabbing - Police in Australia have found the bodies of eight children who were stabbed to death inside a house in Manoora, north Queensland.
Local reports indicate that the victims of the Cairns stabbing were found this morning by their 20-year-old elder brother. The names of the deceased children have been withheld. However, their ages reportedly range from 18 months to 15 years.
Australian authorities say a distress call was received on Friday morning from a home on 34 Murray Street, Manoora that a woman has been seriously injured. However, when Officials arrived at the property 11: 20 a.m. they discovered the bodies of the children.
A 34-year-old reported to be the mother of the deceased children was also found on the scene with injuries to the neck and chest. She has since been transported to the hospital. Her identity has also not been disclosed. However, reports indicate that she is in a stable condition and is assisting police with their investigation.
Authorities are investigating the Cairns stabbing. At the moment no suspect has been arrested.
Officials are tight-lipped about the investigation and have only revealed that everybody who has had contact with the family during the past three days will be treated as a person of interest in the deadly Cairns stabbing case.
Deputy Inspector Bruno Asnicar described the Cairns stabbing as sad. He said it is one of the most bloody crimes he has witnessed in his career on the force.
"This is certainly a tragic and traumatic event with so many people deceased in one place," Asnicar said. "And it's right up there with one of the most serious things that I've ever had to deal with."
Authorities say the entire country and especially neighbors were horrified about the Cairns stabbing.
"This neighborhood is going to be a different place," said Ngatu Temu, a 20-year-old who knew the family. "Everyone is pretty much heartbroken today."
"They have always lived in this neighborhood. Everybody knows them. Most of us finished work early today to be here to comfort one another," he said.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the Cairns stabbing as "heartbreaking." "This is an unspeakable crime" Mr Abbott said. "All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened."
"Tonight, there will be tears and prayers across our country for these children. My thoughts are with the Queensland Police and all who have to respond to this terrible situation."
