A church service has been held for the eight children found dead at a house in the Australian city of Cairns.

Police said a 34-year-old woman who was the mother of at least seven of the children had been taken to hospital with stab wounds but was stable.

Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbot described the deaths as heartbreaking - and acknowledged these are "trying days" for the nation.

The deaths come as Australia is still feeling the shock of the deadly siege in a Sydney cafe earlier this week.

DI Bruno Asnicar giving his initial briefing after news of the tragic event in Cairns broke.

The 8 children whose bodies were found at a house in Cairns, Australia, are aged between 18 months and 15 years old.

Police were called to a property in the suburb of Manoora following reports of a woman with serious injuries. During the search of the house the bodies of the children were discovered.

A 34 year old woman is recovering in hospital from stab wounds, she's believed to be the mother of 7 of the children...the 8th child is thought to be a relative.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement it was an "unspeakable crime". He said all parents would feel "gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened".

He acknowledged that these were "trying days" for Australia.

DI Bruno Asnicar said police have not made any arrests, but said the injured woman was assisting with their investigations...and there is no cause for further public concern.