A number of One Direction fans were left needing medical attention at the weekend at one of the band's gigs in South America.

The boyband hit the stage in Lima, Peru on Sunday (April 27) but it seems its festival style standing set-up on the stadium floor caused crushing between fans.

The head of Peru's volunteer fire service Mario Cassareto told local radio that they treated 47 fans for the first stages of asphyxia, although online reports from fans have suggested that the problem was worse.

He said: "We treated 47 children with the first stages of asphyxia. Everything is under control. We have nothing to be ashamed of, we've handled the situation well. We put in place a second evacuation plan so that the younger fans were not affected.

"We're working with the police and the security companies [who were contracted for the show], 911 and VIP. It's under control. We are still treating those with symptoms of asphyxia that we pulled from the back. The ministry of health has set up tents."

One Direction singer Niall Horan was heard telling fans at the show to back off otherwise the group might have to cancel the show.

Next up on the band's Where We Are world stadium tour meanwhile is date in Santiago, Chile on April 30.

Watch One Direction in Lima below: