Cairns mum arrested over fatal stabbings

A mother has been arrested over the fatal stabbings of eight children aged from 18 months to 14 years.

"Don't let them take them away from us. God bless you. Forgive me for what I'll do," neighbours said a woman pleaded from the house on Thursday night, according to News Corp.

The following day, a 20-year-old man found some of his siblings stabbed to death in a horrific scene in a house in Cairns.

Police have formally identified the eight victims. They were four girls aged 14, 12, 11 and two, and four boys aged nine, eight, six and five.

The 37-year-old is believed to be the mother to seven of the children and the aunt of the oldest female victim.

She was found with neck and chest wounds, but is in a stable condition in the Cairns Hospital, where she remains under police guard assisting with inquiries.

The babysitter for the children said the tragedy has come as a great shock, "They were great, happy people. Always liked to have a joke, always smiling. Very, just a very well orientated family.

"Everything that's going on at the moment is very hard to believe because they were such a loving family," she said.

Police say forensic investigators remained at the house overnight.

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"They're looking for a time chronology. They're looking for the order of the actions that occurred, they're looking for any trace evidence that's in the residence itself," said Detective Inspector, Bruno Asnicar.

Emergency services were called to the Murray Street residence in Manoora at around 11:20am(AEST) yesterday, following reports of a woman with serious injuries.

The mother's cousin, said the 20-year-old brother is now being comforted by other family members.

"I'm going to see him now, he needs comforting," she said.

She described the family and extended relatives as close-knit.

"We're a big family and most of us are from the (Torres) Strait," she said.

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

The Acting Premier and Treasurer Tim Nicholls addressed the media earlier, saying the government would work with them to recover from this 'terrible terrible event.'

He said, "I think it just makes us all want to hold those we love just that bit closer to us."

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A relative of the children, said the adults who lived in the house were his niece and nephew.

"I just heard about it. My family just rang because they're worried about our sister," he said.

"Some of them are my sister's kids.

"I just got a phone call from my son's mother from down in Mackay because they had seen the news flash down there.

"This is a close neighbourhood, this Murray Street. I'm desperate like everyone else to hear [what happened]."

Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said there was no need for the public to be concerned about the stabbing other than the fact that it is a tragic event.

"The situation is well controlled at the moment," he said.

"There shouldn't be any concern for anyone else out of this environment."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the news out of Cairns as heartbreaking.

"All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened," Mr Abbott said.

"This is an unspeakable crime - these are trying days for our country."

The Prime Minister said there will be tears and prayers across the country for the eight children who were killed.

Police have cordoned off the street as investigations continue.

Ambulances also remain on scene.

About 20 to 30 people, including neighbours and locals, could be seen comforting each other at the scene.

Cairns Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar told reporters that the crime scene is likely to remain in place for days.

"As it stands at the moment, there's no need for the public to be concerned about this other than the fact it's a tragic, tragic event," he told reporters.

Police are urging anyone with further information to call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

More to come.

Morning news break - December 19
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