Liam Payne: The One Direction star's touching speech in full

Liam Payne's One Direction bandmates have posted a series of touching and heartfelt tributes to their “brother”, who they remember as “the most important part” of the group.

Read their full statement:

I am truly devastated by Liam's death.

His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be by his side as he did so.

Liam lived openly, wearing his heart on his sleeve, with an energy for life that was contagious. He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever be among the most cherished years of my life. I will always miss him, my dear friend.

My heart goes out to Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, her son Bear and everyone who knew and loved her around the world.

I am devastated as I write this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was someone I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny and kind soul.

I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly mesmerized by his voice but more importantly I got to see the kind brother I wanted to see all my life.

Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody, we often talked about getting back together in the studio and trying to recreate the writing chemistry we had in the band.

And for the record, Liam was the most important part of One Direction in my opinion. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for forming us Liam.

Liam has a message for you if you're listening,

I feel lucky to have you in my life but I'm really struggling with the idea of ​​saying goodbye. I'm so grateful that we've gotten closer since the band, talking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about thousands of amazing memories that I thought I'd have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it could not be.

I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me, I will be the uncle he wants in his life and tell him stories about how amazing his dad was.

I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I love you.

Pineo, my son, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. sleep well x

Liam, I find myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but selfishly think we had so many more conversations in our lives.

I can't thank you enough for supporting me through the hardest times of my life.

When I lost home as a 17-year-old kid, you were always there with a positive attitude and reassuring smile, letting me know you were my friend and loved.

Even though you were younger than me, you were always smarter than me, you were strong, opinionated, and never gave up. [expletive]About telling people when they're wrong.

Although we butted heads a few times over this, I always secretly respected you for it.

When it comes to music Liam, you were the most worthy in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, was a new kid with no experience and you were already a pro. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always count on you to know which way to steer the next ship.

I lost a brother when you left us and I can't explain to you how I want to hug you one last time and say goodbye properly and tell you that I love and respect you so much. I will forever cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart, there are no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than devastated.

I hope that wherever you are now you are well and at peace and that you know how much you are loved.

love you bro

We are completely devastated by the news of Liam's death.

In time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved so much.

The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and fans who love him as much as we do.

We will miss him terribly.

We love you Liam.

Louis, Jane, Neil and Harry.

Full coverage of Liam Payne's death: