London, March 27 (IANS): Popular boy band One Direction members will have about 20 bodyguards each when they embark on their US tour next month.

The bodyguards will protect the young singers from their fanatic fans, guarding their hotel rooms and stopping people from invading their stage. A total of hundred bodyguards for the five-member band may be an unprecedented level of security, but the boys have had too many close shaves when it comes to over-enthusiastic supporters in the last years, reports dailystar.co.uk.

Liam Payne and Niall Horan are especially keen to have such strict security.

"It’s mainly Niall and Liam who are starting to get really obsessive about security. Liam’s fears grew after two fans stole his pants in Australia last year. Niall is getting more and more sensitive because of his panic attacks.

“It’s an insane amount of security for one band, but considering the way crowds form around them, it’s necessary," said an insider.

The other members of the band include Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.