Every word of Cheryl Tweedy's 'earth shattering' tribute to Liam Payne

The Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge date the One Direction star for two years and they share son Bear

Cheryl Tweedy has paid a heartbreaking tribute to ex-boyfriend Liam Payne following his tragic death. The former One Direction singer, 31, fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday afternoon.

The X Factor judge, 41, was in a relationship with Wolverhampton-born Liam between 2016 and 2018. They shares her son Bear, seven, with the singer.

Cheryl shared a heart wrenching photograph of Liam with baby Bear next to a heartbreak emoji. She issued a length statement, writing: "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.

Read more Liam Payne's heartbroken girlfriend Kate breaks silence and says 'for the rest of my life'

"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."