Forensics have arrived at the scene to collect evidence (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Liam Payne death: Police and forensics pictured at Argentina hotel where One Direction star fell to death

One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31, the band have confirmed in a statement. The singer tragically fell from a balcony in a hotel in Argentina

by · Birmingham Live

Police are investigating the death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, who tragically passed away at the age of 31.

The pop sensation was on holiday in Buenos Aires with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy when he tragically fell from the third floor of a hotel. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and medical personnel, were swiftly on the scene outside the establishment with police and forensic officers pictured at the scene just hours after the tragic incident.

It's believed that Liam fell from around 13 or 14 metres and suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life." In a statement, the local ambulance manager told TN: "At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel.

READ MORE: Liam Payne's cause of death confirmed by police after One Direction star tragically dies

Liam, who shot to fame in 2011 as part of the globally successful band after being put together by Simon Cowell on The X Factor, alongside Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.

Forensic workers arrive at the hotel where British singer Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Social media has been flooded with tributes for the 'Strip That Down' singer. It's been reported that police were called to the hotel due to reports of a man behaving aggressively, possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A body was discovered in an internal patio of the hotel. A spokesperson for the City ambulance service, Alberto Crescenti, revealed that Liam sustained "very serious injuries incompatible with life."

Photos from outside the hotel show emergency service workers carrying out their investigations while officers are standing guard as a large crowd of fans gathers behind a police cordon.

Police gather outside a hotel (Image: AP)

Devastated followers expressed their disbelief, with one commenting: "Please don't tell me he passed away." Another pleaded for clarity: "tell me it's not true," while another simply wrote: "rip liam."

Celebrities have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Liam. Mikey Graham, best known as a member of Boyzone, has described Liam Payne's death as "tragic". He spoke of the "damaging" nature of fame, calling for record companies to look after artists better: "Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help. Lots of yes people. Nobody honest."

Dermot O'Leary, who hosted the X Factor for more than a decade, has paid tribute to Liam Payne. Posting a black and white picture of himself and Payne on Instagram, O'Leary said: "I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing." The TV presenter said Liam was "always a joy" and "always humble".

Fans and onlookers watched on as Liam Payne's body was transported from the CasaSur Hotel in an ambulance tonight. Some hugged each other and cried, while others, in a sign of their adoration for the One Direction star, burst into applause. Crowds have been lighting candles outside the hotel in tribute to the singer.

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