Tragedy as eight siblings – aged 18 months to 15 years – found stabbed to death

Police were called to a house in Cairns, Australia, after the 20-year-old brother of the children returned home to find his family slaughtered.

The children are reportedly aged between just 18 months and 15 years.

Mother of seven of the children has sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she is now in a stable condition. She is being questioned by the police.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who has already had to respond to the tragic hostage situation in Sydney this week, said this was ‘an unspeakable crime’ and that all parents would feel ‘gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened.’

The local community are said to now be in shock as the dreadful news spreads across Cairns.