DHAKA: Eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in the city of Cairns in northern Queensland, say Australian police.

There are also reports that a woman has been taken to hospital with stab wounds.

Police have cordoned off the house and detectives are searching the yard of the property in the Manoora suburb, reports BBC.

The details of the incident, and the woman's relationship to the children, are not yet clear.

Queensland Police said in a statement they were called to a residence in Murray Street at 11.20 local time (01:20 GMT) following reports of a woman with serious injuries.

"During an examination of the residence police located the bodies of the children, all aged between 18 months and 15 years," said the statement.

"The woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, is receiving treatment for her injuries and is currently assisting police with their investigations."

BDST: 0945 HRS, DEC 19, 2014