Mystery as Liam Payne’s Rolex watch he was wearing hours before his death is missing as cops launch urgent search
Cops suspect it has been stolen
LIAM Payne’s Rolex watch is missing as Argentinian cops continue to investigate the pop star’s death.
Cops probing the final hours of the One Direction Star’s life suspect the expensive timepiece has been stolen.
Liam was reportedly wearing the watch at least two to three hours before he plunged from the third floor balcony at his hotel,
But when his body was inspected by cops, Liam was no longer wearing the Rolex.
Police sources told the paper: “We know, from images that were analyzed, that Payne was wearing a Rolex on the day of his death.
“He was wearing it in one of his hands and he had it for at least two to three hours before he jumped into the void.
“We looked for him in the room at the CasaSur hotel where he was staying and we couldn’t find him.”
Cops also did not subsequently discover the watch during raids on nine homes involved with those under investigation for his death.
A source said: “The watch was searched for at the homes of the people accused of the crimes of abandonment of a person and supply and facilitation of narcotics and at the homes of the two women who were with Payne in the room the afternoon of his death.”
Now they will turn their attention back to the hotel room Liam was in just before he died as cops conduct a second inspection.
In the investigation, Liam’s room has been sealed off, plus 800 hours of security camera footage has been searched, and 20 witnesses questioned.
Three people have been charged in connection with Liam’s death including a hotel worker and a suspected drug dealer.
The third charged is believed to be someone close to Liam, Argentina’s public prosecutor said.
A post-mortem concluded Liam’s death was caused by “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” after the fall.
Prosecutors said there was nothing to indicate any third party was involved in the death.
They also ruled out “self-harm”, according to a forensic psychiatric report.
This comes after the singer’s body was returned home earlier this week.
The star’s dad Geoff was also on the flight into Heathrow — with the body then transferred to Liam’s home town of Wolverhampton.
His funeral has been arranged and is expected to take place in the West Midlands city within ten days.
A source said: “Plans are in motion for Liam’s funeral and a date has been set.
“His family are determined to keep things as private as possible to allow them to grieve but also understand the global interest.”
Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy has revealed the pair planned to marry next year.
In a tribute to her boyfriend following his death, she said “you’re my guardian angel now”.
The influencer, who dated Liam for two years before his death, shared photos of the couple on Instagram which included a note from Liam.
One photo showed the handwritten note from Liam, in which he wrote: “Me and Kate to marry within a year / engaged and together forever”.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
