A far north Queensland community has been left shocked by the deaths of eight children at a Cairns home.
Relatives have been gathering outside the property in Murray St, Manoora where police found the bodies about 11.30am on Friday.
A woman, believed to be the mother of the children aged between 18 months and 15 years, is in hospital with stab wounds.
Local pastor Nicole Dalla Vecchia, 30, joined those at the scene to offer support.
"I felt sick when I saw the picture," she told AAP.
"It doesn't matter if you know them or not, it breaks your heart."
The community was like one big family, Ms Dalla Vecchia said.
Local state MP Gavin King said the region had been left in complete and utter shock and disbelief.
"I've spoken to police and different state agencies and our immediate priority is to provide every support and counselling that friends and family will require," he said.
"We are already discussing in terms of the broader community impact, and what we will need to do as a community to rally together and manage the collective grief.
"The scale of the tragedy is incredibly shocking."
A Facebook page - Children of Murray St, Manoora, has been set up and a candlelight vigil is expected to be held at Munro Martin Park at 6pm.
Premier Campbell Newman said he was "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic events in Cairns today", especially coming just before Christmas.
"I ask that all Queenslanders reach out to those who may need support in coming days and do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed," he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the events were heartbreaking.
"Tonight, there will be tears and prayers across our country for these children," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
"All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened."
Share
