Zayn Malik 'in absolute bits' over Liam Payne's tragic death as loved ones 'don't want him alone'

While Thursday saw the shockwaves unfolding throughout the entertainment world as tributes flooded in, so far none of Payne's former bandmates have officially broken their silence.

However, a source close to Malik, 31, has revealed the Pillowtalk hitmaker is in "shock" over the devastating news.

Speaking to Mail Online, they explained Malik's loved ones "don't want him to be alone" at the moment, so the singer has people around him.

"Zayn was told in the early hours of this morning and has been in absolute bits," they commented.

The source continued: "He is in shock, and his parents have been in touch with Liam’s family to offer their support and condolences.

"People close to Zayn don’t want him to be alone at the moment, so he is surrounded by friends."

The source also shared how the singers hadn't spoken for a while thanks to "issues they had with one another in the past".

However, the insider clarified the two men "respected each other from a distance".

Payne had been holidaying in Buenos Aires with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, who ended up leaving to return to the US a few days ago.

They'd initially been in the South American city to support former One Direction star Niall Horan, who'd been performing there. However, the couple decided to spend some extra time in Argentina.

Cassidy wasn't present at the time of Payne's death though after she made the decision to head home recently.

It was announced on Wednesday night he had fallen from the third floor of his hotel balcony after police were called to reports of an "aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol".

City ambulance spokesperson Alberto Crescenti told the media that "injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him".

911 CALL

LISTEN HERE: Translated transcript of emergency 911 call from staff in Liam Payne's Argentinian hotel

Stars from across the showbiz realm have paid tributes to the singer following the tragedy, with Simon Cowell, who created One Direction on the 2011 X Factor, stepping down from his Britain's Got Talent role in light of the news.

The Sun reports that Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno Tonioli will continue to film the show as music mogul Cowell steps down.

It has also been reported that former Strictly Come Dancing star Tonioli will be acting as Cowell's official replacement.

A source told the publication: "This news has hit Simon incredibly hard - he is utterly shocked and devastated.

"He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn't feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he'll be in the right head space to continue.

"All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive."

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Cowell's response comes after several cryptic messages were left in tributes from other former X Factor contestants, with one going as far as to warn the music mogul not to speak out about Payne's death.

Another X Factor star, Rebecca Ferguson, issued a heartfelt tribute to Payne where she also noted the "exploitation and profiteering of young stars".

Elsewhere, Payne's family issued a heartbreaking statement via a spokeswoman on Thursday afternoon, which read: "We are heartbroken.

"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."