Singer Zayn Malik has left One Direction, the band have confirmed.

In a statement released to fans on Facebook, the group announced that remaining members Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson will continue as a four-piece, with their world tour continuing. A fifth album is due to be released later this year.

22-year-old Malik was signed off from the world tour last week after claiming to be under stress. 

The singer said said: "My life with One ...