Louis Tomlinson's ex-girlfriend has revealed that Liam Payne was a "tremendous support" to her in the past few years

She wrote on Instagram Stories: "I wasn't sure whether to post anything on here as I usually navigate loss and grief privately, but it feels strange not to. [Liam's] passing has hit me really hard.

"Over the past couple of years, Liam has been a huge support for me and I'd like to think I was for him too. He would regularly check in to ask how I was feeling and if I was okay. When I first moved into my flat, he drew paintings of my dogs and I to put on the walls - he said he hoped it would help with making it feel like home... one of the many examples of his kindness and creativity.

"I can only hope that he is at peace now and will forever wish that his story ended differently. ... My heart goes out to those that knew and loved him for the person he was."

Liam died in Buenos Aires, Argentina earlier this week at the age of just 31, when he plunged from his hotel balcony.

His father Geoff has flown to the South American country to repatriate Liam's body.

He has been accompanied by Paul Higgins, Founding Director of All Star Security, who previously worked as a bodyguard for One Direction.