One Direction
One Direction were given a 200 strong police escort as they arrived in Bogota. Reuters

One Direction had a security team 'bigger than President Obama's' as they arrived in Colombia for the first show of their Where We Are tour.

The British boy band reportedly had a 200 strong army of police and bodyguards protecting them and were given 'hostile environment' training ahead of the tour to ensure their safety.

Columbia is regarded as a kidnapping hot spot and every measure was taken to ensure their safety, with the group escorted to and from El Campin stadium by a convoy of security vehicles and armed police.

No risks are being taken. The dangers in some of these countries are very real and that's why management have arranged the world's best security teams.
- Insider

According to the Daily Mail an insider said: "No risks are being taken. The dangers in some of these countries are very real and that's why management have arranged the world's best security teams.

"There will be no wandering into the city for partying or sightseeing anywhere deemed dangerous - and Colombia is definitely dangerous."

Performing before a crowd of 40,000, the band, comprising Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik said the first night of the tour was spectacular.

"Columbia was the perfect way to start the tour," Styles is reported as saying.

"We're really close as a band. It was lovely to have time off, but now it's great to be back together and on the road. We're having a ball," added Horan.

He also dismissed reports that the band were on the verge of splitting up saying: "The fact we have an album coming should put these rumours to bed. We're here for as long as the fans want us.'

Immediately after the show, the band flew straight to Peru for the next concert.

The 67 date Where We Are tour opens in Europe in Croke Park Ireland on 23 May before landing in London's Wembley Stadium on 6 June.