A father who went to work believing his wife was taking their three children on a picnic instead received the news no parent expects.
The father of the Kenyan family was at work on Sunday when he received a call telling him one of his children was dead, while his two other children and wife were fighting for life.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mother could be charged over Blue Mountains child stabbing tragedy
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Police allege the 42-year-old mother had driven the children to a quiet street in the Blue Mountains, where she stabbed them before turning the knife on herself about 1pm on Sunday.
The children — aged five, three and one — were strapped into their car seats when the alleged attack unfolded in Valley Heights.
7NEWS understands a cyclist came across the vehicle with its doors open and found the woman bleeding.
Police believe the mother pulled over at a ‘random’ location, and they will look to charge her with homicide if she survives her injuries. Credit: 7NEWS Members of the public rushed to help, providing first aid to the woman and children while contacting emergency services.
The five-year-old boy died inside the vehicle at the scene.
His two younger siblings suffered wounds to their necks.
They and their mother were treated by paramedics before being rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Westmead Hospital in critical conditions.
Police confirmed on Monday that the woman’s injuries were believed to be self-inflicted and identified her as the suspect in the alleged attack on the children.
The woman and two surviving children remained in critical conditions on Monday.
A young boy has died and two others are fighting for life after an alleged stabbing in the Blue Mountains. Credit: 7NEWS Police said if the mother recovers from her injuries, detectives intend to speak with her with a view to laying a homicide charge.
The children’s father rushed to hospital to be with his two surviving children after being informed of the tragedy on Sunday.
7NEWS understands members of Sydney’s Kenyan community are rallying around the father, while the Kenyan consulate has also confirmed it is providing assistance.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna described the scene confronting officers as “barbaric”.
“When you’re using knives, or edged weapons … it’s actually quite barbaric,” McKenna said.
The father was at work when he received the devastating call. Credit: 7NEWS “People cut people, it’s actually very confronting.
“Whenever there is children, is doesn’t get worse than that.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491