Liam Payne's family issue 'heartbroken' statement as more details emerge over his death

The 31-year-old ITV The X Factor star died following a tragic balcony plunge in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, where he was supporting pal Niall Horan.

Liam Payne's devastated and grieving family have issued a statement in the wake of his death. The 31-year-old ITV The X Factor star died following a tragic balcony plunge in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, where he was supporting pal Niall Horan.

His family fled their Wolverhampton home late on Wednesday night. In a statement, they said: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Downing Street offered Sir Keir Starmer’s condolences to Payne’s family and friends. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s sincere condolences are with Liam’s family and friends at this time.

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“One Direction were one of the biggest bands in history and their music had a huge impact on many millions of fans around the world.” McFly and Busted stars have remembered Payne as “such a nice human” and reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight when in a boy band.

The McBusted supergroup previously supported One Direction on tour, the group which Payne rose to fame in alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson. Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, McFly’s Danny Jones said: “It’s super sad. Such a nice human and it was amazing to know the guys. And I feel for his family, I feel for the band, feel for the boys, and I’m shocked. I’m genuinely shocked.”

Busted’s Charlie Simpson, who started his musical career when he was aged 16, reflected on the pressures of being thrust into the limelight in a boy band. “It is really tough. I think that especially today with social media and the pressure that comes with it now that wasn’t around when we started, I think that makes it even tougher”, he said.

Fellow Busted bandmate Matt Willis also remembered Payne as “such a lovely bloke”, adding: “Music is so powerful and I think what One Direction achieved was unbelievable, so incredible. They’ve got such an amazing history of music, it’s a beautiful thing music.”

This Morning ended its broadcast with a tribute to the late singer.