Liam Payne’s funeral set to take place

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The funeral of One Direction star Liam Payne is set to take place on Wednesday, a little over a month after his tragic death at the age of 31.

The private service, expected to be held in the Home Counties in south-east England, will be attended by Payne’s family, close friends, and former bandmates.

Payne passed away following a fall from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

An autopsy revealed that he suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including internal and external bleeding, as a result of the fall.

In a short statement following his death, Liam’s family said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”

Payne was one of the most recognisable names in pop, after rising to fame on The X Factor.

Despite only coming third on the show in 2010, One Direction went on to become the biggest British group since The Beatles.

During their five-year career, One Direction sold an impressive 70 million records, achieving four UK number-one singles and four number-one albums.

Liam Payne, who co-wrote many of the band’s hits, also enjoyed solo success with tracks like Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor.

He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Bear, whom he shares with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.

Kate Cassidy, Payne’s girlfriend at the time of his death, is also expected to attend the funeral.