One Direction stars pay tribute to Liam Payne

Liam Payne, pictured here in 2016, was part of boyband One Direction

Liam Payne's One Direction bandmates have paid tribute to the singer after he died in Argentina, aged 31.

In a joint statement Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry said they are "devastated by the news", adding, "the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever".

Fans around the world, along with stars including Rita Ora, Olly Murs, Charlie Puth and radio DJ Greg James, have also been sharing messages.

The X Factor, the ITV music talent show where One Direction was formed, said that Liam "was immensely talented" and "will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world."

One Direction were (left to right) Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Singer Liam rose to fame as part of One Direction on the X Factor in 2010.

He had progressed as a solo singer to the judges' house in 2008 at just 14 years old, but was not successful.

Liam was was determined to try again, and returned to the X Factor two years later.

As he progressed through the first stages of the competition, a last-minute decision was made by the judges for Liam to form a boyband with four other contestants - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

Together the group became One Direction.

Despite not winning X Factor, One Direction went on to become one of the world's biggest bands, with fans all over the world.

In 2015 Zayn announced that he was leaving One Direction and in 2016 the others announced they were taking a break and went on to be solo artists.

Since then there had been lots of rumours about a reunion, but it hasn't happened.

Tributes from around the world

Alongside their joint statement, the 1D group added messages on their own social media.

"The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished of my life," said Harry Styles.

Zayn Malik, shared a photo of him and Liam when they were younger, asleep in a car, and Louis Tomlinson also thanked Liam for being "the kind brother I’d longed all my life for".

Niall Horan said "Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious... We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime."

Fans in Argentina have been gathering together to pay their tributes, as have fans in Wolverhampton where Liam was born.

Fellow pop star Rita Ora said: "He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage."

Singer Olly Murs, who starred the X Factor a year before One Direction did, said he was "lost for words".

Liam with fans at the Brit Awards in 2015

Radio One's Breakfast show host Greg James said it was "sad news" and it was important for fans to "be understanding" and "take care and share thoughts with others".

US musician Charlie Puth expressed his "shock" and sadness. "Liam was always so kind to me," he said on social media.

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

Liam's family said he would "forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."