Ed Sheeran has paid tribute to his friend and former One Direction star Liam Payne following his death. 

The 31-year-old died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in Argentina on Wednesday. 

Sheeran wrote Payne's hit debut single Strip That Down and several songs for One Direction including Little Things. 

Liam Payne died after falling from a balcony at a hotel in ArgentinaLiam Payne died after falling from a balcony at a hotel in Argentina (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

The 33-year-old first reacted to the news of Payne's death by reposting a statement by One Direction on his Instagram story with a single love heart emoji. 

On Friday, the Framlingham-based singer-songwriter said he is at a “loss for words” and encouraged others to “be kind” following the death of Payne. 

He shared a tribute on his Instagram with 48.3 million followers a black and white picture of Payne. 

He said: "At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation.

"Be kind. X"

Payne was part of the original line-up of the world-famous boy band, formed in 2010, alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles.

After five albums and four world tours, One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016 with the band members pursuing solo projects.

Payne leaves behind his seven-year-old son named Bear who he shared with his former partner, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl.

Ed Sheeran has paid tribute to Liam Payne following his deathEd Sheeran has paid tribute to Liam Payne following his death (Image: Ian West/PA) Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, died of multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage”, a post-mortem examination report said.

Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No 16 said it was investigating the incident as an “inconclusive death” following the report.