Liam Payne fans heartbroken as they spot familiar face with late star's dad at the airport

Liam Payne's inconsolable father has returned to the UK ahead of his son's funeral.

Geoff had flown out to Buenos Aires just hours after the devastating news that the late singer had tragically died aged 31. Liam , falling from the balcony of his third floor hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The star died after suffering

The dad-of-three stayed in Argentina where body had been held since his death while medical experts carried out an autopsy and prepared Liam's embalmed body to fly home. He had been spending time in Argentina and has been visiting the British Cemetery where Liam's body was being held ahead of his return today.

Now, after a flight via Rio de Janeiro, Geoff has touched down in London, flying into Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport with his son. Upon returning, he was protected at every moment by Paul Higgins, who dedicated One Direction fans observed previously worked as a security guard for Liam during his time with the band.

Higgins travelled the with the chart-topping group alongside a team of colleagues including; Preston Mahon, Basil Wheelan, Alberto, Jerry, Jon, Leo, Daniel and Alan. But while fans have been left heartbroken over Liam's death, they have taken to social media to share their emotions after seeing Paul again alongside Geoff throughout the heartbreaking event.

One fan shared a TikTok video of Paul and Geoff walking through the airport as they made their way back to London. The post which has racked up over 300,000 views was soon flooded with emotional comments. One fan said: "God bless that poor man and Paul Higgins is a sweetheart. May they find peace amongst the grief knowing Liam was so loved on many levels and brought so much joy and love in the World."

Another added: "The fact that Paul is still with him," alongside a string of crying emojis. "Thank you Paul for protecting Liam both in life and death," commented another. Meanwhile, a fourth went on to type: "I'm so happy that Geoff is not alone. Paul has been by his side the whole time."

Another commented: "He was more than their head of security and tour manager, he was their on the road dad. And seeing him secure Geoff to his son when it used to be the other way around … absolutely gut wrenching." Following Liam's death last month, Paul took to social media to share a moving tribute to Liam.

An AI created image showed Liam hugging Jesus as he rested his head on the Lord's shoulder. Captioning the post, Paul penned: "Protected now and in the arms of our Lord," alongside a heart and praying emoji. It's believed that Liam's funeral will be held in the coming days, with the Payne family set to share an announcement with fans.

Speaking to the , a source said: "Liam will have a very big send off, quite probably at a large cathedral somewhere close to his heart. Liam was so loved by so many people, there will obviously be enormous demand and so the service will necessarily be a huge affair. The details are still under wraps until they are definitively signed off but should be announced very soon."

Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .