Liam Payne’s family issue statement following his death

'Liam will live forever in our hearts'

The 31-year-old was found dead at a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday night, with emergency services stating he fell from a third-floor balcony at the hotel.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Since then, tributes have poured in from friends and fans across the world.

Now, his family have released their first statement following his passing.

The statement 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."

Payne was found dead in a courtyard at the CasaSur hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires on Wednesday night, according to local authorities.

The singer had been in Argentina for the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan, the Sun reports.

After the news of his death broke, there were emotional scenes outside the Hotel CasaSur as fans gathered to pay tribute to the singer.