BUENOS AIRES: Liam Payne, who shot to global fame with boy band One Direction, was found dead after he fell from a thirdfloor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, triggering an outpouring of tributes from fans.

As news emerged of the 31-year-old English singer`s death, fans of one of the world`s biggest-selling boy bands gathered outside the hotel in the Argentinian capital`s leafy Palermo neighbourhood to sing his songs and celebrate his life.

Police said in a statement they had been called to the CasaSurhotel after being notified of an `aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol`.

When they arrived, the hotel manager reported he had heard a loud noise from the inner courtyard and the police found that a man had fallen from the balcony of his room, the statement said.

In audio obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry, a worker can be heard asking for police help.

`When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone,the worker said, adding that the guest`s life was at risk because the room had a balcony.

One Direction found global success after Simon Cowell brought together Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson on Britain`s X Factor talent show in 2010.

They went on to sell 70 million records, with six top 10 hits on Billboard`s Hot 100, including `What Makes You Beautiful`, `Story of My Life` and `Live While We`re Young`. Payne`s cowriting credits included `Story of My Life` and `Night Changes`.The band announced an `indefinite hiatus` in 2016, leaving its members to pursue solo careers. Payne`s last single was `Teardrop`, released in March this year. Payne`s family said they were `heartbroken`.

`Liam will live forever in our hearts and we`ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,` they said in a statement.

While details surrounding his death remained unclear, Payne had spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and using alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame.-Reuters