One Direction’s Liam Payne has been praised for his support to a friend who was hospitalised after a fire broke out at the boy band star’s London flat in September.

Andy Samuels suffered third-degree burns after an outdoor heater exploded at Liam Payne’s London home. Since the incident Samuels has undergone seven skin grafts.

Recalling the event Samuels told the Sunday Mirror: “I can still see Liam trying to put out the flames with his hands. I was set completely on fire – terror is the only word fit to describe what I was feeling. The pain and the panic I felt is ­something no one should have to go through.”

He continued: “I was the one that was injured, but it was a crazy, horrible experience for Liam to witness as well. He was trying to help me but I thought I was going to die.”

21-year-old Andy also spoke of Liam Payne’s support during his time in hospital:

“Having your best friend there for you like Liam has made this so much easier. His support has been incredible and we're in contact pretty much constantly every day, even though he's in Australia at the moment. We talk about everything but I'll update him about my recovery every now and then.”

Andy concluded: “I've had some really low moments, lying in hospital, too scared to even look at myself in the mirror to see the damage but Liam and my family and girlfriend were there to talk me round. I think Liam was affected by what he witnessed but he didn't talk about that, just about how he knew I would be all right. And he was right – four weeks later and I'm still breathing and I'm doing normal things.” 

Watch a recent live performance by One Direction in Melbourne below: