Cheryl has paid tribute to ex Liam Payne, with whom she shares a son, following his shock death earlier this week.

Payne tragically died after falling from a balcony at the hotel CasaSur in Palemo, Buenos Aires, having been in Argentina to attend a show of former bandmate, Niall Horan, earlier this month.

In the wake of his death, tributes have come pouring in, with One Direction saying in a joint statement that they felt ‘completely devastated’ by the news.

His ex-girlfriend Cheryl has now also spoken out about what has been an ‘indescribably painful time’ for her, as she faces raising a child without his father.

In an Instagram post accompanied by a black and white photo of Payne with son Bear, she wrote: “As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly 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.

“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.

“Thank you, Cheryl.”

The pair had been together between 2016 and 2018, having welcomed Bear in March 2017.

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who had been with him in Argentina up until two days before he died, also issued a poignant tribute to him earlier this evening.

“Thank you for all the kind words and love that has been sent my way,” she said.

“I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real.

“I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.

“Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”