Joy to tears: Fans left weeping after One Direction cancel Belfast concert

TEENAGE fanshave been left rain-soaked and distraught after One Direction dramatically cancelled their Belfast show virtually at the last minute.

Thousands of the band's devoted followers were gathered in the SSE Arena to hear their singing idols play their hit songs when news came through "with half an hour to go" before the band came onstage that Liam Payne had fallen ill.

One Direction's publicist, Simon Jones, Tweeted the news that because of Liam's illness, the show in Belfast would not be taking place.

"Unfortunately One Direction have had to cancel tonight's concert in Belfast. Liam has been taken suddenly ill, and the concert will sadly not be taking place. Fans have been asked to hold on to their tickets and there will be a further statement tomorrow. The band apologise to their fans and wish Liam well as soon as possible," he said.

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One Direction fans in Northern Ireland had been in jubilant mood prior to the concert as the boyband were due to kick off a three night stint in SSE Arena Belfast.

Many had queued from early on Tuesday morning awaiting the doors to open at 6.30pm.

Fans from across the world including Holland, France, Greece and further afield had travelled to Belfast to see the boys in concert, before they split next year.

It is unclear if the band - Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson will complete their remaining Belfast dates.

Angry parents took to Facebook to break the news with one complaining: "Biggest joke ever 1D has just cancelled. Liam is sick and they have just told us now!"

A bystander said she had seen "children crying in the street".