X Factor pays tribute to Liam Payne as former One Direction member dies aged 31

The X Factor and several leading figures from the music world have shared tributes to former One Direction singer Liam Payne in the hours following his devastating death.

In the early hours of this morning police in Argentina confirmed that Payne, 31, had passed away from injuries sustained after falling from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in the capital city.

A further update from Alberto Crescenti, the head of the state emergency medical system, revealed that Payne had fallen around 40 metres and suffered 'severe injuries which were incompatible with life'.

"The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur," he said.

"At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead.

"Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him."

It is believed Payne had jetted out to the city in order to attend a concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan.

As the world learns the news about the former One Direction star's death, with X Factor leading the tributes by writing: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.

"He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.

"Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Liam Payne's passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many fans who loved and supported him," the official Spotify X account posted, while TV personality Rylan Clarke added: "Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x"

The Wanted singer Max George also shared a heartfelt tribute to Payne, recalling how the star had been 'unbelievably supportive' during a particularly difficult period of his life.

"Devastated. Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that," he wrote.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam."

Meanwhile, McFly tweeted: "We’re shocked and extremely sad to wake up to the news of Liam Payne’s death. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at such a difficult time."

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher has also shared his condolences in a series of tweets, writing: "Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x"

He then responded directly to a series of fans who asked him about the singer's death, writing that the news was 'very sad'.

"devastating news, dear Liam Payne," added radio broadcaster Zoe Ball. "thoughts & love to his family, friends and fans."