One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31

One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Local police said the singer fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood of Argentina's capital before medics confirmed his death.

Police responded to an emergency call from the hotel manager who had become concerned for the welfare of a guest.

Pictures showed shocked fans gathering outside the hotel after police cordoned off the area with forensic investigators seen entering and exiting in white protective suits and blue gloves.

They were photographed lighting candles and adorning the side of the road with flowers as they paid tribute to the beloved music star.

Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend a Niall Horan concert and was seen dancing at his former bandmate's show at the Movistar Arena two weeks ago alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

One Direction became a global sensation after forming on The X Factor in 2010 featuring Payne and Horan alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Their albums and tours shattered records with hits like What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life propelling them to superstardom. The band sold over 70 million records worldwide and won numerous awards while cultivating one of the most passionate fanbases in music history.

Before joining One Direction, Payne first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 at just 14 years old. Although he didn't make it through that time, head judge Simon Cowell encouraged him to return, which he did two years later when One Direction was formed.

After One Direction went on hiatus in 2016, Payne launched a solo career. He released his debut solo single, Strip That Down in 2017, which became a hit worldwide.