Image: Cheryl and Liam Payne in 2018. Pic: Reuters

Cheryl hits out 'abhorrent' reports over Liam Payne's death as son Bear 'faces reality of never seeing father again'

· Sky News

Singer Cheryl has posted about Liam Payne's death, saying their seven-year-old son Bear "has to face the reality of never seeing his father again".

The former Girls Aloud star and X Factor judge also hit out at "abhorrent reports" about Payne, saying: "It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect (Bear) from that in his future".

Cheryl and Payne were in a relationship between 2016 and 2018 and welcomed their son in 2017.

In a post on Instagram, she shared a photo of Payne and Bear when he was baby lying in bed together.

Image: Cheryl posted a photo of Liam Payne with son Bear. Pic: Cheryl/Instagram

Alongside the photo, Cheryl wrote: "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

"Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

"What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

"I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

"Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.

"Thank you, Cheryl."

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