A man has died after he was allegedly stabbed to death by his partner's former husband in suburban Brisbane overnight.
Police were called to a home at Alexandra Hills just before midnight after three children, all believed to be younger than 10, were seen walking around Brompton Street with blood on them, police Inspector Rob Graham told Nine News.
Police went inside the children's home and discovered a "horrific scene" of two men with significant stab wounds - a 37-year-old man was dead, while another man, 39, was critically injured.
The critically injured man had allegedly broke into the the home and killed the 37-year-old in the bedroom before stabbing himself, Inspector Graham said.
Inspector Graham said the 39-year-old was the former husband of the woman who lived at the Brompton Street address.
Detective Inspector Owen Elloy said the accused killer was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital where he was undergoing "fairly major" surgery.
Neighbour Trish Kennedy told 7 News the three children were home at the time of the incident and had stayed with her overnight.
"The kids are alright, they are tired, have been up since 11.30pm, but they are alright," she said.
Large crime scene, extending across 2 streets at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Alexandra Hills. Another man critical @TheTodayShow pic.twitter.com/sSyXCREHgg
— Jess Millward (@JessMillward9) November 22, 2016
Inspector Elloy said it was a "confronting and traumatising" incident.
"We have three young children without a father figure heading into Christmas, that is to my mind, one of the most traumatising issues at hand," he said.
Inspector Elloy said the former husband was known to police in a "very limited way" and a bedside hearing would be held at the earliest convenience.
"We are completely in hands of medicos at PA and we will be advised in due course as to when any likelihood of holding bedside hearing will be available," he said.
"These jobs aren't easy to deal with, I have only been in police for 37 years and no murder is easy to investigate.
"Investigations such as this bring home the message to care for each other more, we need to be mindful there are people other than ourselves to think about."
Speaking with media outside the crime scene, Inspector Graham urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help.
"You could just well imagine what the kids and what the ex-partner has been through," he said.
"This is not the answer with domestic violence incidents. As we move towards Christmas, emotions are going to be high and this isn't the answer, there is plenty of help out there available.
"Six lives have been affected tonight and all through the actions of one individual."
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence call the National Domestic Violence Line on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Anyone affected by topics raised in this story can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.