Eight children found dead in Australian home

Eight children have been found dead at a house in Cairns in northern Queensland, the BBC reported, citing Australian police.

Police said a 34-year-old woman had been taken to hospital with stab wounds but was stable.

The details of the incident and the woman's relationship to the children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, are not yet clear.

Australian reports say the children were stabbed but police have not confirmed this.

Police said it was a "tragic event" but there was no cause for public concern.

The house in the Manoora suburb has been cordoned off and detectives are searching the yard.

Police have not yet said if they have made any arrests, but say the injured woman is assisting with their investigations.

The BBC's Jon Donnison in Sydney says it appears police are not looking for any suspects.