UK based boyband One Direction have released a statement following the tragic death of a stagehand who helped set up for their Liverpool concert on Sunday.

Kevin Benson collapsed while setting up the stage for the lads' gig at the Echo Arena early on Sunday morning (March 17) ahead of their show there that night, but he suffered a cardiac arrest and head injury and was rushed to Royal Liverpool Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The statement issued by the 'Little Things' singers expresses their sadness at the news and reads: "The band, who were at their hotel in Manchester at the time, offer their sincere condolences, and their thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's family at this difficult time."

A spokesperson for the Liverpool Echo Arena added: "We can confirm that a contractor working at Echo Arena Liverpool was taken to hospital on Sunday morning. We understand that he subsequently died. Our sincere condolences go to his family at this sad time."

One Direction's Take Me Home tour continues tonight with a date in Sheffield at the Motorpoint Arena and tomorrow (March 20) they will perform at Nottingham's Capital FM Arena.

Watch One Direction perform 'One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)' at the Echo Arena here: