A woman has been stabbed to death in front of her children at her home in central Queensland.
Police and paramedics were called to the Rockhampton address where the 42-year-old woman lived about 6:30pm on Tuesday.
They found her with "horrific" wounds, and were unable to save her.
Two of her three children were home at the time of the attack.
"It's a horrific scene for all included, especially those children to see that happen to their mum," Acting Inspector Luke Peachey told reporters on Wednesday.
"We've been police officers for a number of years, and this is one of the worst things we've seen.
"Three children have lost a mother, a father and mother have lost their daughter... so it's an absolutely tragic event."
A man - who was known to the woman - was found with self-inflicted wounds about two hours later.
He is in police custody in hospital, undergoing surgery for his non life-threatening wounds.
Acting Inspector Peachey would not be confirm if he is the children's father or if the attack was domestic violence.
He also would not rule out the possibility the man was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Police believe they found the "sharp-edged" murder weapon at the crime scene, but are awaiting forensic test results.
No charges have been laid, and police are expected to interview the man in hospital when he has recovered from surgery.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
