Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy 'numb with grief' as friends 'concerned for her'

One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson breaks silence on Liam Payne’s tragic death aged 31 (Image: Backgrid/MEGA)

Liam Payne’s girlfriend Katie Cassidy looked grief-stricken as she stepped out for the first time in public. The 25-year-old American actress was caught looking downcast after heading to a pet store following the news that he had plunged to his death last week.

Katie looked solemn as she attempted to make a quick dash for the dog she shared with the One Direction star. Donning an oversized T-shirt and jogging bottoms, she wore a pair of Christian Dior sandals.

Over recent months the pair had been spotted looking loved-up after attending a number of high-profile events including London Fashion Week.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, body language expert Judi James said that Kate looks "devastated but possibly also going through the empty numbness that can often be a part of mourning.”

Recent images showed her looking slumped with minimal expression. She added that she may be “still stunned” by the news that he plunged to his death.

Katie Cassidy was seen for the first time since she broke her silence over Liam Payne (Image: Getty)

Judi said: "After seeing all the playful, happy and loved-up poses she and Liam had been posting before his tragic death it's so sad and touching to see the difference here now. Kate's body language suggests she is not only devastated but possibly also going through the empty numbness that can often be a part of mourning.

"Her body looks slumped and her eye expression makes her look still stunned. The concerned expression of her protective-looking friend suggests Kate might have been reluctant to go out at all yet, although that dog and the dog food she's carrying under her arm might have been the reason she's been forced into braving the cameras."