Zayn Malik and his family are in mourning after the death of the singer’s young cousin, who passed away this week at the age of only five after suffering from a brain tumour, with condolences and sympathies pouring in from his fans.

The former One Direction singer’s family have been posting tributes to Arshiya, who is believed to have passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 28th) having battled the condition for the past two years.

Arshiya's mother, Zileh Malik, posted on Instagram: “An angel wrote in the book of life in my baby’s date of birth, then whispered as she closed the book… 'Too beautiful for earth' R.I.P baby doll.”

A post shared by Zileh Malik (@zilehmalik_) on

Zayn’s youngest sister, Waliyah, also paid tribute, captioning her own post: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Rest in peace you beautiful princess, may Allah grant you the highest rank of Jannah.”

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The singer was pictured was photographed with his little cousin back in 2014 at his ex-fiancee Perrie Edwards’ 21st birthday party, and it’s thought he’s had a soft spot for her. “Zayn loves all his family to bits but is really close to Arshiya,” a source close to the family said at the time.

Zayn MalikZayn's five year old cousin Arshiya has died

“#RIPArshiya @zaynmalik we love you and are here for you, forever and always,” one fan wrote as many rushed to offer their condolences to Zayn, while another wrote: “So sorry for your loss zayn, your cousin is a beautiful angel now, please stay strong babe @zaynmalik #RIPArshiya.”

Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Charity’s CEO, said in a statement later in the day: “Our hearts go out to Arshiya Malik's family. Their dreadful loss underlines the need for more research and vital funds into brain tumours so that families in the future do not have to face this kind of devastation.”

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