Liam Payne's dad Geoff returns to UK as fans spot familiar face by his side ahead of son's funeral

Liam Payne's father Geoff has returned to the UK ahead of his son's funeral service which is expected to take place in the coming days.

The dad of the late One Direction star travelled urgently to Buenos Aires just hours after the harrowing news broke that the 31-year-old has fallen to his death in Argentina.

Liam tragically passed away on October 16 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room on the third floor in the Argentinian capital. His cause of death was due to multiple injuries causing "internal and external haemorrhage".

As a devoted father, Geoff remained in Argentina as officials conducted an autopsy and arranged for his son's embalmed body to be repatriated. During this period, he visited the British Cemetery where Liam's remains were kept prior to their return today, the Mirror reports.

Having flown to London via Rio de Janeiro with British Airways, Geoff landed at Terminal 3, Heathrow Airport, accompanied by his late son. Throughout the journey and upon arrival, Paul Higgins, recognised by One Direction fans as Liam's former security guard during his band days, provided unwavering support.

Higgins had toured globally with the renowned boy band, working alongside Preston Mahon, Basil Wheelan, Alberto, Jerry, Jon, Leo, Daniel, and Alan. While fans mourn Liam's passing, social media has been awash with sentiment as they observe Paul's fraught reunion with Geoff during this sorrowful time.

One fan captured a TikTok video of Paul and Geoff navigating the airport as they journeyed back to London. The clip, which has amassed over 300,000 views, quickly became a hub for heartfelt messages.

One admirer expressed: "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 chimed in: "The fact that Paul is still with him," followed by a series of crying emojis. "Thank you Paul for protecting Liam both in life and death," another shared.

A fourth added: "I'm so happy that Geoff is not alone. Paul has been by his side the whole time."

Yet another said: "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."

In the wake of Liam's passing last month, Paul posted a poignant tribute online. An AI-generated image depicted Liam embracing Jesus, his head resting on the Lord's shoulder.

Accompanying the image, Paul wrote: "Protected now and in the arms of our Lord," with a heart and praying hands emoji. It is anticipated that Liam's funeral will take place shortly, with the Payne family expected to make an announcement to fans soon.

According to a source speaking to the Daily Mail, a grand farewell ceremony is being planned to be held at a large cathedral that was close to Liam's heart.

The 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."

Fans of the late One Direction star have been urged to stay away from the funeral to give the Payne family the space and privacy they need at this time.

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