'Liam's family just want him home, back where he belongs'

Hopes of repatriating star's body this week as devoted father refuses to leave his side

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

LIAM Payne's family hope his body will be flown home this week, with his devoted father Geoff refusing to leave his side.

Officials in Buenos Aires, where the One Direction star died after falling from his hotel balcony, have yet to release the singer as final pathology tests are not completed.

But authorities expect the results to be finalised this week and have not ruled out the possibility that they could be available imminently.

A source said: "Liam's loved ones just want him home, back where he belongs among his family.

"As they await the pathologist to finish tests, behind the scenes they have been tackling the logistics about how to get his body back to the UK.

"There are no direct commercial flights between Buenos Aires and London, but naturally, they want the flight to have the fewest stops and interruptions possible.

"But Geoff is determined to accompany his son home."

One consideration is a private jet, but few are capable of flying the 7,000-mile journey in one go.

Meanwhile, thousands of fans around the world gathered to pay tribute to the star. "Directioners" came together in London, New York, Paris, Stockholm and Colombia.

Ellie Markham, 23, travelled from Brighton to an event in Hyde Park.