People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene after eight children have been found stabbed to death at a house in Manoora on Friday. Picture: AAP Source: News Corp Australia

Seven of the eight children, who were discovered by an older relative, were siblings while the eighth victim was their cousin.

The children’s mother, 37-year-old Mersane Warria has been arrested after she was taken to hospital with stab wounds to her neck and chest.

Outside the scene of the tragedy, family and friends of the victims have gathered to mourn and try to come to terms with their grief.

Kathleen Pabai used to see the murdered children whenever they visited their grandfather, George.

She lived next door to him on Murray St until he died.

“I’m in shock, it’s so sad, I’m so sorry for those innocent kids,” she said.

“How could you do this to innocent kids?”

A close relative, who asked not to be named, said they were a close-knit family.

“She was a very happy mother, very protective of her kids,” she said.

Ngatu Temu and Bessie Temu light and candle and leave a teddy for the deceased. PICS by BRIAN CASSEY Source: News Corp Australia

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“They were intending on moving back to Erub Island next year, it’s really ­unexpected.”

Deba Pilot is a relative who lived on Erub Island in the Torres Strait.

“We’re all shocked, it’s not in the nature of our community for incidents like this to happen,” he said.

“We’re all confused about why it happened and how it happened, so we’re waiting for information from the police, like you are.”

Didi Baker, a cousin of the family, said she was numb with shock.

People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene (AAP Image/Romy Bullerjahn) Source: News Corp Australia

“They were happy, they’d always come out and say hello to people in the street,” she said.

“Even if they’re not direct family, everyone in this area’s so close. I’m just speechless, I can’t comprehend it.”

Friends were left reeling.

Ngatu Temu went through Cairns West Primary and Trinity Bay High schools with the eldest boy in the family, Lewis Warria.

A relative of the family outside the scene of a mass killing were 8 children have been stabbed to death. 34 Murray Street in Manoora, a suburb of Cairns in North Queensland. Picture: Marc McCormack Source: News Corp Australia

She was one of the first people to take flowers down to Murray St Park yesterday.

“I hope everyone does it,” she said.

“Please come down and show your sympathy. Show you care.”

The family had only recently moved into the government-owned house.

If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14