Authorities in Australia are investigating the stabbing deaths of eight children, all discovered in a home Friday afternoon.
Authorities in Australia are investigating the stabbing deaths of eight children, all discovered in a home Friday afternoon.
The victims range in age from 18 months to 15 years, according to a news release from Queensland state police.
The home is in the Cairns suburb of Manoora, in the country’s north.
An unidentified woman, believed to be in her 30s, was also in the house and was suffering from “serious injuries,” the release said.
Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said forensic teams were inside the home collecting evidence. According to the Associated Press, he declined to specify how the children died.
“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.
Officials had not yet identified any suspects, but were talking to a range of people, he told AP.
Acting Chief Superintendent Russell Miller said officials believe it was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the rest of the community, AP reported.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the news was heartbreaking.
“Tonight, there will be tears and prayers for these children across our country,” Abbott said in a statement from his office.