Holly Fleck
BBC News Northern Ireland

Image source, Getty Images

Eoghan Quigg, who was an X Factor finalist in 2008 and went out to judge’s houses in Barbados with Payne – the first year he auditioned, says he was thinking of his co-contestant's mother.

"I can’t even digest what the family must be feeling today because they were such down to earth people," he says.

He and Payne were at boys’ judge Simon Cowell Barbados home.

"I was 16, Liam was 14. Because I was 16 I wasn’t allowed a parent and his mother Karen came along with him and she looked after me for the days we were away.

"I will never forget it because I was so homesick," he tells BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme.

"Liam was such a lovely fella, he was so down to earth and we always kept in contact after the show," he says.

"We’re just all shocked today and it’s absolutely devastating. He was so young and a father like myself. My heart goes out to his family and his little kid."

Image source, PA Media

Since the news of Liam Payne’s unexpected death broke, we’ve heard from followers attending a vigil in Argentina.

Locals in Wolverhampton - where Liam grew up - have also paid tribute to the pop star.

Now, we’ve been hearing from some more of you about Payne’s influence all around the globe. Here’s what fans outside the UK had to say:

• Marthe, a 22-year-old from Barcelona, says Liam "has always been the heart and soul of the fandom" around One Direction
• Edie, from Cape Town in South Africa, tells the BBC that she still remembers hearing Story of My Life by the group for the first time at eight years old. She says that fellow 'Directioners' have "lost a star"
• Vanshika, who is 24 and from Jaipur in Rajasthan, India says: "Liam Payne and all the 1D boys have been a huge part of my childhood, teenage [years] and adulthood. I cannot believe he is no more"

Image source, Getty Images

A passionate football fan, Liam Payne took part in Soccer Aid matches and was a season-ticket holder at The Hawthorns where he followed his beloved West Bromwich Albion.

Fellow Baggie and BBC presenter Adrian Chiles has shared his memories of the One Direction star on his BBC Radio 5 Live show.

"I got to know him when he first did X Factor," Chiles said. "He came up to me and said 'up the Albion' - he was a West Brom fan.

"Just as a sign as to how massive he was, I remember we snuck him into a Boxing Day game and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me.

"But we managed to secrete our man up in the commentary gantry so he didn't get bothered."

"Then a friend of mine texted me to ask 'why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?' he added. "I went, well it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it."

Scarlett Hutton
BBC Newsbeat reporter in Wolverhampton

Liam Payne’s death is something most groups of friends here in his hometown of Wolverhampton will have talked about.

Lilah Rose, Faith and Caity stop to speak to me, and say they grew up with 1D’s music.

“I found out last night on TikTok and went on the BBC website to see if it was real,” Lilah Rose says.

Faith hoped she’d have an opportunity to see the band perform together in future after they split in 2016.

“It’s close to home,” she says.

“I grew up as a One Direction fan and I was waiting for the reunion.”

Ione Wells
Reporting from Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires

"Breakfast was pretty quiet this morning."

That was the message from Doug Jones who was staying at the same hotel as Liam Payne when he died.

He didn’t want to be photographed but spoke to me outside.

"I worked in the hotel all day yesterday, so I was here all day long. The room across the way, I think they were staying there," he said.

"I thought they were working on the room. There was a lot of noise, like heavy lifting, like banging, a lot of loud, violent noises, I thought.

"And I saw hotel people going in and out of that room, so I thought they were doing work on the room."

"So about 16:00, 16:30, I started hearing some more noise, I was still doing work, and I heard a really loud, violent scream around 16:45, 17:00."

He said this was his first time visiting somewhere outside the US so thought when he heard sirens this could just be "normal".

But he realised something was wrong when he came down and "the whole road was full of cops".

Scott Mills has started his Radio 2 show this afternoon paying tribute to Liam Payne. He says it is a "really hard one to take because I never thought we would have to say goodbye to him so soon".

He adds: "I had so much fun with One Direction over the years which will stay with me for life - and Liam was a big part of it.

"I saw all of them so much back then. I am still finding it really hard to believe today, I know a lot of you will be feeling this very deeply, as I am this afternoon."

Mills then goes on to share a story of attending the premiere of the One Direction movie and at one point he tries to hold back tears as he personally passes on his condolences to Payne's family.

"Liam, we always had so much fun," Mills tells BBC Radio 2 listeners. "He was the kindest, most caring person to me and thank you for letting me be part of your ride.

"I will never forget it. the band were all so lovely - but Liam was the grown up; the wise one and I cannot bear that this is where Liam's story has ended."

Listen for more from Scott during the live show.

As celebrities and family keep paying tribute to Liam Payne, the BBC has been hearing from residents in his hometown.

We're hearing more now from BBC's Ione Wells, who is reporting from outside the hotel in Buenos Aires where Liam Payne died.

Liam Payne's family have just issued a statement following his death:

"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."

James Kelly
BBC UGC

Kira Squire from Wolverhampton met Liam Payne in 2015 during One Direction's tour that year, describing him as “an exceptionally kind and caring individual”.

She managed to take a photo of Payne outside the arena in Birmingham, where she was working, before meeting him in person.

"He took a genuine interest in me and my work, which was both surprising and heart-warming," she tells me.

"Later that night, I had the privilege of seeing them again as a VIP. It was a moment that meant the world to me."

She says her thoughts are with Payne's family, as well as her fellow fans in mourning.

"His kindness and the unforgettable experience they provided will always hold a special place in my heart."

Image source, Getty Images

In a tribute to Liam Payne, singer Beverley Knight says she always looked out for "what fellow Wolverhamptoners in the spotlight were doing".

She says on Instagram she felt "immense pride that a young lad from my town had become a worldwide star".

Full of praise for Payne's talents, she echoes colleagues' worries about the pressures of fame, noting she had been "concerned that the spotlight had become a little too bright for such a young life".

Knight said her heart was "shattered" for his parents.

Image source, PA Media

One Direction came third in the 2010 X Factor, behind winner Matt Cardle and runner-up Rebecca Ferguson - who has shared her "devastation" over Liam Payne's death.

Posting on social media, Ferguson calls out the "exploitation and profiteering of young stars" as she recalls the moment she met Payne at London's Euston railway station and got in a taxi to X Factor shows.

"I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.

"I've spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects - many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder]."

The UK prime minister's office says Keir Starmer's "sincere condolences are with Liam's family and friends".

The spokesperson adds: "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."

He goes on to reiterate the Foreign Office is in contact with authorities in Argentina.

Beware fake footage on social mediapublished at 12:53 British Summer Time 17 October

12:53 BST 17 October

By Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

Videos, speculation and misinformation about Liam Payne’s death are flooding social media feeds.

Fake footage is being shared – including one old video purporting to show the former One Direction star falling from a hotel balcony. It actually shows someone else and doesn’t match up with actual photos from the scene.

But real images are being posted, sparking a huge backlash because of the impact they could have on his family and friends. Be aware of profiles looking to rack up clicks and likes by sharing graphic images which can be distressing.

There are also holiday videos from his Snapchat account. They’re real, but they’ve caused confusion since they appear to have been posted on his account days after they were filmed.

Being vigilant about what’s on social media matters because online misinformation can alter people’s understanding of what’s happened – and in this case have a real impact on anyone connected to or affected by Liam Payne’s death.

Ione Wells
Reporting from the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires

Outside the hotel where he died, fans have left letters and notes to Liam Payne.

One says "goodbyes are bittersweet but it’s not the end" - a quote from the One Direction song Walking In The Wind. The hotel is surrounded by cameras and media. But it is still operational, with some guests coming in and out too.

Image source, Getty Images

Many who knew Liam Payne, or worked closely with him, have been posting their tributes on social media:

• One Direction bandmate Harry Styles' mother Anne Twist shared a broken heart emoji with the words "Just a boy"
• Dermot O'Leary, X Factor presenter: "I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra"
• Charlie Puth, who wrote music with Payne: "Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone"
• Olly Murs, who also got his start on the X Factor: "This news is devastating, am lost for words... to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated"

• Cher Lloyd, who was a contestant alongside Payne on the X Factor: "I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had...Rest in peace Liam"
• Jedward, fellow X Factor stars: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family"

In 2020 Liam Payne was asked to read a letter to his 10-year-old self for Scott Mills's Radio 1 Show.

The clip has been shared again since news of his death emerged.

• For more memories of the singer you can listen to the BBC Sounds Remembering Liam Payne collection.

Ione Wells
Reporting from the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires

As the news broke, fans gathered here at the hotel where Liam Payne died. Many were lighting candles, crying, and singing One Direction songs together.

It’s an emotional moment for those who spoke of how important the band were to their adolescence. Payne rose to fame at 16 and died at 31. Many of his fans grew up with him.

His body has been taken to a morgue where an investigation will take place, but this could take days.

At the moment, the hotel is surrounded by international media and cameras. A normally touristy upmarket neighbourhood has been turned into a global story for all the wrong reasons.

Flowers and candles remain here, melted and rained on after a long night. Some fans left notes saying "Te Amo" - "I Love You".

Image source, Scott Mills/Instagram

DJ and BBC presenter Scott Mills is one of many paying tribute to Liam Payne on social media.

Mills says: "This is a really hard one to take in.

"Never in a million years would I think we would have to see goodbye to you so soon Liam.

"We had so much fun back then, and I feel so incredibly sad. Sending my love and strength to his family, his friends, and especially his son."

Liam Gallagher also took to X, external to say: " Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x"

Singer James Arthur posted a pic , externalwith his arm around Liam on Instagram stories.

And there was a post from West Bromwich Albion FC, external: "We're shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne. Our thoughts are with Liam's family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time."

Image source, UK Parliament

Liam Payne's death has been described in the House of Commons as a "tragic end for someone so young".

Addressing Parliament this morning, Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said: "Can I also send condolences to the friends and family of Liam Payne.

"One Direction was loved by millions across the world and this was a tragic end for someone so young."

Separately, the mayor of Wolverhampton paid tribute to the 31-year-old describing him as a "young man from humble beginnings who went on to achieve global stardom".

Linda Leach added: "I know that members of his family still live locally and I wish to send my sincere condolences to them for the unimaginable grief they must be experiencing."