In a statement released on Sunday morning, the family said that persistent "attention and speculation" in the press had exacerbated their suffering, and that of Payne's young son, Bear, in particular. "The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so," they added.

Payne died last October after falling from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. He was 31 years old. The family's statement came after Argentinian authorities dropped manslaughter charges against one of Payne's friends, Rogelio "Roger" Nores, and two members of staff at the hotel. Two other men still face charges of supplying drugs to Payne on the night he died. Last Saturday, the Brit Awards paid tribute to the star, with an emotional segment led by Jack Whitehall, who was one of Payne's friends. "He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with," said the comedian.

"We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the Brits, so tonight we celebrate his legacy and look back and remember the remarkable Liam Payne." The screens then cut to a moving montage of the singer, comprising sound-bites, portraits and performances - set to the One Direction song Little Things. In their statement, the star's family said they had "joined in" with the celebration of his life.