Niall Horan releases statement as he becomes final One Direction star to speak out on Liam Payne’s death

Niall Horan has released a statement speaking on Liam Payne’s death.

Horan, who was in One Direction alongside Payne as well as Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, has taken to Instagram to share a touching tribute following his former bandmate's sudden death on Wednesday (16 October).

Payne reportedly fell off the third floor of the hotel he was staying at in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It reads: "I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.

"Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness.

"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.

"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.

"My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.

"Thank you for everything, Payno.

"Love you brother.

"Nialler."

Earlier this morning, Robbie Williams also shared a tribute to Payne, making one request to the public.

He captioned the post: "How to make sense of the Liam Payne tragedy?

"Obviously, my first feelings towards his passing were like everyone else. Shock, sadness and confusion. And to be honest as I write these words that’s where I still am."

He explained when he first met Payne and the rest of One Direction when he 'mentored' them on the X Factor back in 2010.

The 'Angels' singer later penned a warning to social media users, writing: "I guess in these moments it’s worth repeating.

"WE DON’T KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN PEOPLE’S LIVES. WHAT PAIN THEY’RE GOING THROUGH AND WHAT MAKES THEM BEHAVE IN THE WAY THAT THEY BEHAVE.

"BEFORE WE REACH TO JUDGEMENT, A BIT OF SLACK NEEDS TO BE GIVEN.

"BEFORE YOU TYPE ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET, HAVE A THINK 'DO I REALLY NEED TO PUBLISH THIS?', BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE DOING.

"YOU’RE PUBLISHING YOUR THOUGHTS FOR ANYBODY TO READ.

"EVEN IF YOU DON’T REALLY THINK THAT CELEBRITIES OR THEIR FAMILIES EXIST. THEY F*CKING DO.

"SKIN AND BONE AND IMMENSELY SENSITIVE."