The music world remains in shock following the tragic death of Liam Payne at the age of just 31 this week.

The former One Direction star lost his life after falling from a third-floor interior balcony at a hotel in Argentina in circumstances that remain unclear at present.

The latest to pay tribute is Cheryl Cole, the Girls Aloud star and former The X Factor judge who shares a 7-year-old son, Bear, with Payne.

Cole's statement in full:

"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. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."