Cheryl shares emotional tribute to Liam Payne

Cheryl said losing Liam is "indescribably painful"

The 41-year-old shared a statement alongside a photo of Liam and their son Bear.

She said Liam's death is "earth-shattering" and "indescribably painful".

"As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to 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."

Cheryl also urged people not to speculate or read into "abhorrent reports" online.

"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," Cheryl concluded.

The Girls Aloud singer dated the former X Factor star between 2016 and 2018, but they broke up in July 2018.

Before they ended their relationship, Cheryl and Liam welcomed a son together.

Cheryl gave birth to a baby boy on March 22nd 2017. The couple decided to call their son, who is now seven years old, Bear.

The couple agreed to co-parent their son Bear following their break-up.

Payne stated: "Cheryl and I are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s been a tough decision for us to make. We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."

Cheryl's tribute to her ex-boyfriend comes after One Direction issued a joint statement.

The band said they were heartbroken to lose their 'brother' but asked the public to respect their privacy during such a harrowing time.

They said, "the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever".

Liam Payne tragically died after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. He was 31 years old.