Girls Aloud singer Cheryl has described the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne as “earth shattering”, as she voiced fears over protecting their seven-year-old son Bear.

Payne died after falling from a third floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday (October 16).

Cheryl, who was in a high-profile relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 said in a statement on Instagram that their son has to “face the reality of never seeing his father again”.

Sharing a black and white picture of Payne in bed with his son, Cheryl said: “As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.”

The 41-year-old concluded the statement urging people to give Payne “the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last”.

Liam Payne's girlfriend says she is at a 'complete loss'

Cheryl's statement comes after Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy said “nothing about the past few days have felt real”.

The social media influencer, who had been in a relationship with Payne for around two years, said she was at a “complete loss”.

“Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way,” Cassidy said in a statement posted on her Instagram story.

“I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real.

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“I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.

“Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely.”

Cassidy said she will continue to love Payne “for the rest of my life”, adding: “I love you Liam.”