Liam Payne's ex steps in over his death and says 'I'm sorry'

Payne's former girlfriend spoke out and paid tribute with photos together after the Wolverhampton dad-of-one's tragic death.

Liam Payne’s former love interest Aliana Mawla has broken her silence on the ITV The X Factor star's death. Payne's former girlfriend spoke out and paid tribute with photos together after the Wolverhampton dad-of-one's tragic death.

She posted two photos from their time together to Instagram. Taking to her Story, she shared one of him watching a concert and another of her hands clasped in his. In one of her captions, Aliana wrote: "i'm sorrythis happened to you .. will forever love & miss you."

She added in another: "rest in paradise." A source told The Sun newspaper last year that Aliana is now back in Miami after making a short-lived trip to the UK with Liam back in May, following their brief romance and relationship.

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The insider said: "To say they were boyfriend and girlfriend is far too strong but they were obviously seeing each other. They both had fun but it's fizzed out and are now both very much single. There's no bad blood." It was also reported after Liam's split from Aliana he had rekindled his relationship with ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer – nine years after their split.

A source said: "Liam has always had strong feelings for Danielle and was gutted when they split all those years ago. They ended their relationship on good terms and are enjoying spending time together now, including on Sunday night.'

Danielle and Liam broke up in 2012 following a two-year romance – four years before he got together with Cheryl who's the mother of his son, Bear, now aged seven. The pair reportedly called time on their relationship after struggling to make things work long-distance while Liam toured with One Direction amidst the height of their fame.

During an interview in October 2012, Liam admitted he was 'devastated' by the couple's separation.