LIAM'S AGONY

Tragic star in hotel death fall | Booze & drugs were in his room

- TOM BRYANT

A MANAGER at the hotel where Liam Payne died has told how he feared for the tragic star's safety after he embarked on a suspected booze and drugs binge.

And as police tried to piece together his final moments before he plunged to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentina, his family paid tribute to the 31-year-old who had battled with mental health in the past.

Amid the shockwaves and outpouring of grief across the world, they said yesterday: "Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family."

Liam's One Direction bandmates Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles also paid tribute.

They said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

"The memories we shared with him will be treasured for ever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam."

In a video of Liam posted hours before he died, the star said: "Morning everybody, a lovely day here in Argentina."

The tormented former boyband idol, who once told how he had experienced "severe suicidal thoughts" as he struggled to cope with fame, later fell from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aries on Wednesday afternoon.

A frantic 911 call made by staff about "an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol" was released by Argentinian police.