One Direction fans hopes raised then dashed over reunion

One Direction fans sent Twitter into meltdown over speculation the band could be reforming.

The boyband's global fan base took to the social networking site after an eagle-eyed Directioner noticed a Future Events tab added to the boys' official website.

Members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson only started their hiatus in January, after five years of nonstop work, but fans are hoping a comeback will happen sooner than expected.

The hashtag #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection quickly started to trend, though not long after the Future Events tab disappeared from onedirectionmusic.com.

"@onedirection WHY... DID YOU REMOVE THE FUTURE EVENTS WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ARE U (messing) WITH US," one disgruntled fan posted, while another vented: "WHAT THE HELL ONE DIRECTION REMOVED THE "FUTURE EVENTS" ON THEIR WEBSITE I FEEL SO BETRAYED."

Others also commented about feeling betrayed, upset and disappointed.

News of the band's hiatus came months after original bandmate Zayn Malik jumped ship to launch a solo career on 2015. At the time, Niall assured fans the group weren't calling it quits.

"We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year," Niall tweeted.

Louis added: "Your support is truly indescribable! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere !! Promise Don't worry."

Doubts have been cast over a reunion though, with many of the band members signing solo deals in recent months. Liam and Niall have both inked contracts with rival record labels to former mentor Simon Cowell's Syco label, while Harry has embarked on an acting career and Louis is enjoying life as a new dad.

Rumours of a rift between Harry and Louis have also dogged the band.