Liam Payne's funeral takes place as One Direction bandmates to join mourners

The funeral of singer Liam Payne will take place in the Home Counties, attended by his mourning One Direction bandmates, today (Wednesday, November 20). The star, tragically only 31, suffered a fatal fall from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Argentina back on October 16.

Authorities in Buenos Aires gave permission for Liam's body to be repatriated on November 6, following his untimely death. In recent developments, last week it emerged that three individuals have been charged in Argentina over their alleged connection to Liam Payne's death.

According to the public prosecutor's office, the charges include "abandonment of a person followed by death" and narcotics-related offences. At today's solemn gathering, Liam's former One Direction companions—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik—are expected to be present. Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy is also amongst those likely to attend, alongside Simon Cowell.

In a heartfelt statement released last month, the members of One Direction expressed their heartache: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say."

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."

Following Liam's death on October 16, his father travelled to the South American country where he died, visiting the hotel to see the tributes left by fans. It has been reported that just before his death, Liam, father to son Bear whom he shares with Cheryl Tweedy, had been in Buenos Aires to update his US visa and also watch friend Niall perform at the Movistar Arena.

His family previously released a statement saying: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."

Since then, three individuals have been charged in connection with Liam's death. According to a translation of the statement issued by the public prosecutor's office in Argentina, they said "exhaustive and meticulous measures were taken to clarify the circumstances" surrounding the 31-year-old dad-of-one's death, reports the Mirror.

The statement read: "Based on the evidence gathered and after analysing the various bodies of proceedings and numerous documentary annexes and the background of the case, prosecutor Andres Esteban Madrea formally charged three people, requesting their questioning and arrest in a 180-page ruling presented last Friday to Judge Bruniard."

Another individual involved was an employee at the hotel where Payne was staying, and the third person is alleged to have supplied drugs. An autopsy revealed that Liam suffered "multiple traumas" and "internal and external haemorrhaging", with 25 injuries that were "consistent with a fall from a great height".

On November 7, the prosecutor's office announced that toxicology tests found traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his body. They also ruled out self-harm or physical intervention by a third party.