Argentina police raid Singer LAIM PAYNE's hotel where singer fell to his death, demand more security footage

Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Buenos Aires police in Argentina have raided CasaSur Palermo Hotel as they demanded more CCTV footage in the hunt for a worker suspected of supplying drugs to the tragic star.

Officials were searching for documents within the Casa Sur’s registration books as part of the raid, in addition to information stored in its computers, Us Weekly reports.

The 4-star Buenos Aires hotel “must provide” more security camera footage from October 16, the day Payne plunged to his death at age 31, insiders told the outlet.

The popstar's bodyguard Paul Higgins has been assisting police in reviewing security footage at the hotel, alongside Payne's father.

Prosecutors said last week that they believed Payne was in 'in a state of semi or total unconsciousness' during a substance-induced 'psychotic episode' when he fell.

He died of multiple trauma injuries which had caused 'internal and external haemorrhaging.' His 25 'life-threatening' injuries are believed to have included a skull fracture.

Investigators have indicated they do not suspect any 'third party' involvement but have made it clear the hunt is still on for his dealer amid speculation someone from the hotel was supplying him.

Sources were quoted as saying 'the hotel must provide' more security footage to investigators as well as information about employees, according to Us Weekly.

Argentinian news portal Infobae reported earlier this week that forensic experts had discovered traces of cocaine in Payne's body but tests had so far proved 'inconclusive'.

Other unconfirmed reports originating in the US claimed a cocktail of drugs including designer narcotic 'pink cocaine' - containing MDMA, ketamine and methamphetamine had been found in his system during a partial autopsy, along with crack cocaine and benzodiazepine.

The hotel raid involved Buenos Aires City Police belonging to a Special Investigations Division, as well as a Technology Investigations Unit.

They spent most of their time in reception but officers are also understood to have gone up to the third floor suite in which Payne had been staying.

Argentinian TV reporter Guiliana Salguero said overnight: 'We understand a person who was part of the hotel staff has been suspended after being linked to the supply of drugs to Liam Payne.

'We'll have to see how that now plays out. It is a person who worked in the hotel's restaurant.'