Mother charged with murder over deaths of eight children

People believed to be relatives of the victims grieve at the scene. Photo / AAP

A Cairns mother has been charged with murder over the deaths of eight children, including seven of her own.

Mersane Warria, 37, was charged on Sunday, ABC reports.

She remains under police guard at Cairns Hospital recovering from stab wounds.

She was formally charged before midday on Sunday at a bedside hearing at the hospital, The Courier Mail reports.

It's believed she will remain in hospital and is set to undergo a mental health assessment.

The case is expected to be heard at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday.

She was formally charged before midday on Sunday at a bedside hearing at the hospital, The Courier Mail reports.

It's believed she will remain in hospital and is set to undergo a mental health assessment.

The case is expected to be heard at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday.

- AAP