Liam Payne cops storm Buenos Aires hotel hunting for ‘drug dealer staff’ after One Direction star’s tragic death
THE hotel where pop star Liam Payne died has been stormed by cops as they seek information on alleged drug dealing staff.
The One Direction singer, 31, died in the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires after tragically falling from the third floor last week.
Police were also seen at the Argentinian hotel on Tuesday before they raided it today[/caption] Liam tragically fell from the third floor at the Casa Sur Hotel, in Buenos Aires[/caption] In the latest raid, cops are looking for information on a possible dealer who provided Liam with drugs[/caption] Liam and girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who were set to get married next year[/caption] Cops are investigating how the former One Direction star died[/caption] A tribute to Liam outside the hotel in Buenos Aires where he died last week[/caption]Now cops are raiding the hotel looking for information on alleged drug dealing staff who sold to Liam what he is believed to have consumed before he died.
Officers were seen going through documents and examining computers in the hotel lobby.
Police believe Liam was smuggled drugs hidden in a Dove soap box and were last week said to be probing two hotel staff including a cleaner.
Prosecutors said last week in a statement they believe Liam was “in a state of semi or total unconsciousness” during a substance-induced episode when he fell.
Investigators have indicated they do not suspect any “third-party” involvement but have made it clear the hunt is still on for the dealer.
They want more CCTV footage around the time of his death as they also search analyse phones, computers, and other devices collected.
Cops said Tuesday they were trying to piece together the singer’s last hours and were speaking to people at the hotel.
Liam was on holiday in Buenos Aires for his ex-bandmate Niall Horan’s tour with emergency services saying he died instantly in the fall.
He told one fan just an hour before his death that he loved Buenos Aires so much he wanted to buy a house there.
Girlfriend Kate Cassidy has also revealed the pair planned to marry next year in a touching tribute to Liam.
The influencer, who dated the singer for two years before his death, shared new photos of the couple on Instagram which included a note from Liam.
Kate had been on holiday with Liam in the South American country but returned home to the US two days earlier.
Another one of the last people to see Liam alive said they witnessed his erratic behaviour around 4.30pm.
According to reports, Liam had smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an erratic incident earlier in the day.
Liam with his One Direction bandmates and Simon Cowell[/caption] Liam and girlfriend Cheryl in 2016[/caption]An insider has said Liam was trying to get clean and had been given an all-clear on a drugs test before his death.
They said: “Liam had tried really hard to get clean, then he’s been preyed upon.
“These people just care about money – they don’t care about putting people’s lives in danger.
“It’s an evil trade. This is all just tragic.”
In Snapchat posts shared shortly before his death, but seemingly filmed days earlier, he spoke about about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.
“It’s a lovely day here in Argentina,” he declared in one.
But at some point, things took a tragic turn and the hotel’s reception manager frantically called cops telling them that Liam was under the influence of drink and drugs and had trashed his room.
The receptionist called emergency services saying: “We have a guest who is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
One Direction statements in full
We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”