American showbiz website TMZ published pictures that seem to show parts of Liam Payne’s dead body.

The pictures were of an arm and waist which both featured identifiable tattoos. The website said they had chosen not to publish the whole image.

But backlash on social media has seen TMZ remove the images – although they now exist online – as well as a picture of a blue police tent reportedly placed over Payne’s body after his fall.

“This is beyond disrespectful, it’s a complete failure of humanity and decency,” wrote one X user.

“That is just vile,” another said.

The photos now appear to have been taken down following the outcry.

Payne – a former 1D band member – died after falling from his hotel balcony in Argentina. The 31-year-old pop star had been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health issues. It’s unknown if Payne fell from the balcony or intentionally jumped. An autopsy is under way.