Former One Direction star Liam Payne dies aged 31

Former One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Local police said the singer fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina’s capital before medics confirmed his death, in a statement to the Associated Press (AP).

Police responded to an emergency call from the hotel manager who had become concerned for his welfare, AP said.

Pictures showed shocked fans gathering outside the hotel after police cordoned off the area with forensic investigators seen entering and exiting in white protective suits and blue gloves.

Fans were photographed lighting candles and adorning the side of the road with flowers in an impromptu vigil as they paid tribute to the beloved music star.

The Foreign Office (FCDO) confirmed it is in contact with authorities in Argentina “regarding reports of the death of a British man”.

But a spokesperson for the FCDO declined to comment any further, including on the identity of the man involved.

Payne formed boy band One Direction in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, after they individually auditioned for The X Factor.