Authorities are confirming that eight children have been stabbed to death at a home in Cairns in far northern Queensland.  Police have cordoned off a house on Murray Street and closed the road while detective search the property for forensic evidence.

Queensland Police are confirming early reports that the youngest of the children in the home was a toddler, just 18 months.  The other victims range in up from there up to the eldest, 15-years old.  Details are always up in the air in the early stages of a case like this, and authorities will likely update identities and ages later on.

Far North crime coordinator Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar is calling this “a tragic, tragic event”.

A 34-year old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is reportedly cooperating with police.