Hurts believe One Direction are an important part of the pop scene and should be "left alone".

The 'Kiss You' stars are one of the biggest names around in the music industry at the moment, but their sugary pop doesn't always sit well with some.

Speaking to Gigwise, Hurts pianist Adam Anderson said that the quintet should be left alone to have fun, calling on dissenters to shut their mouths. He said:

"I think they seem like decent lads and they're having fun. If you were 19 and in their position then you would have fun."

He continued: "I think they should be left alone really. It's good for the equilibrium of pop to have boybands."

Anderson added that acts like One Direction are flying the flag for Britain across the world, commenting:

"At the end of the day they [One Direction] are a big export for music in this country. If One Direction and Adele raise the profile for British acts then fair enough."