Mass Stabbing in Australia Leaves Eight Children Dead: Reports

MOSCOW, December 19 (Sputnik) — Eight children were found stabbed to death on Friday in Cairns, Australia, Queensland police stated.

"During an examination of the residence police located the bodies of the children, all aged between 18 months and 15 years… The woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, is receiving treatment for her injuries and is currently assisting police with their investigations," Queensland Police Service News said.

The crime scene has been established and the investigation is being carried out.

The incident in Cairns comes after an incident earlier this week when a gunman took hostages in one of Sydney’s cafés. After a 16-hour-long standoff, the police stormed the café and killed the gunman, who has been identified as 50-year-old Iranian refugee and Islamic extremist Haron Monis. During the incident two hostages were also killed.