PICTURED: Pregnant Ferne McCann looks downcast as she steps out in Essex for the first time since fleeing the UK... after ex Arthur Collins is charged over nightclub acid attack

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Following several days of laying low in light of her now ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins being named as a suspect in an acid attack, Ferne McCann has reemerged in Essex.

The pregnant TOWIE star was spotted looking downcast as she stepped out solo to run errands in her native Essex on Thursday, shortly after returning from her recent trip to Ireland, where she'd decamped to escape the glare of the spotlight.

Wearing a mid-length black dress under a simple denim jacket, the reality TV regular appeared far from happy as she chatted on her phone before checking messages.

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Out and about: Pregnant Ferne McCann was spotted in her native Essex on Thursday

Keeping her feet comfortable in a pair of black Adidas trainers, she carried a champagne pink monogrammed clutch bag during her solo excursion.

Accessorising with a sparkling ring, a gold watch, matching bracelet and statement necklace, she constantly ran her fingers through her unkempt fiery red hair. 

Ferne's outing comes after sources told the Daily Star they were 'worried' for her, adding that the expectant mother is said to be determined to rest at home to remain healthy for herself and her baby.

Low: The pictures mark her first sighting back in her native county since she decamped to Ireland, after her now ex Arthur Collins was named as the suspect in a nightclub acid attack

Phone: The reality TV regular was glued to her phone as she stepped out solo on the chilly day

Distracted: The TOWIE star appeared to have much on her mind as she ran errands alone

My name is...: She toted a champagne pink clutch bag during her fleeting public outing

The 26-year-old has kept silent on social media and has only been seen in public once since her former boyfriend and father of her child Arthur was arrested for the attack on an east London club last month.

According to the Daily Star friends of Ferne have revealed: 'We are all so worried about her.'

But another friend insists Ferne is simply putting her and her baby's health first as she keeps out of the limelight and lies low at home, explaining: 'She is also determined to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child.'

Casual: She stepped out in casual style, wearing a mid-length black dress under a denim jacket

Tresses: She constantly ran her fingers through her unkempt fiery red hair during her day out

Jewels: She accessorised with a sparkling ring, a gold watch, matching bracelet and necklace

Last week it was claimed Ferne has lost weight and looks increasingly exhausted following the incident, which took place at popular Dalston nightspot Mangle on Easter Monday, and Collins' subsequent arrest. 

Describing the effects of the news on her, a source told The Mirror:  'Ferne’s family are increasingly worried about the TV star, who is struggling under the immense strain of the past week’s events.' 

'Despite being in the early stages of pregnancy, she has lost a lot of weight and looks worn out.'

Flee: After her Arthur was named as a suspect, Ferne fled her home and spent time in Ireland

Blackout: The 26-year-old has remained silent on social media since the shocking allegations

Bittersweet: It was only after news of the attack broke that Ferne's baby news was announced

Healthy: The TV personality is said to be intent on staying healthy and stress-free for her baby

The incident - which her former flame is alleged to be involved in - has left two victims blind in one eye and multiple others potentially scarred for life.

More than 20 people were injured in the acid attack over the Easter Bank Holiday.

Ferne was seen for the first time following the arrest with a baseball cap to cover her face while talking on the phone at Bristol airport earlier this month. 

But the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Here! runner up's unborn child is reportedly giving her hope and helping her stay positive through the difficult time. 

Lying low: It was previously reported that Ferne was staying home and taking some time away from the spotlight in the wake of her ex-boyfriend's arrest over a nightclub acid attack

Split: Ferne, 26, has kept silent on social media and has only been seen in public once since her former boyfriend and father of her child Arthur Collins was arrested for the attack on an east London club last month

She is said to be keeping herself busy by immersing herself in reading parental blogs as she prepares herself for life as a single mum.

MailOnline has approached Ferne's representative for comment.

Ferne has made it clear to fans that, however difficult her situation, she is up to the challenge of being a single mother, and will do everything she can for her child. 

Last month, following a nationwide manhunt culminating in the widely-covered arrest of Hertfordshire-born scaffolder Arthur, the star - who urged her ex to come forward - gave a comment to MailOnline.

A representative said: 'Ferne is grateful for the sympathetic way news of her pregnancy has been covered and people's support and obviously her first concern is for her child's health.

Troubling time: According to the Daily Star, friends of Ferne have revealed, 'We are all so worried about her' 

Father of her child: But another friend insists Ferne is simply putting her and her baby's health first as she keeps out of the limelight and lies low at home, explaining, 'She is also determined to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child' 

'Nor does she wish to discuss her ex-boyfriend who she does not recognise from the events of the last week. 

'Ferne is in no way seeking sympathy for her situation and is determined to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child and face the challenges of being a single parent with all her energy. 

'Her thoughts are with the victims of the horrific attack on Easter Monday.' 

A day before she announced her pregnancy, Ferne was seen for the first time since Arthur's arrest as she touched down at Bristol airport.

The star looked frazzled, was seen visibly biting her nails, and wore a baseball cap pulled down low over her face. 

Caught at last: Arthur was arrested in connection with an acid attack committed last month in which two people were partially blinded and 20 more injured in a London nightclub

Jumping straight into a BMW, Ferne was driven away after flying into Bristol Airport.   

Arthur was arrested and charged with 14 counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one count of throwing corrosive fluid on a person with intent to do grievous bodily harm in connection with the acid attack in London nightspot Mangle on 17 April.

Acid attack suspect Arthur was Tasered after 30 police arrested him when he tried to jump out of a window in his underpants while covered in blood.

Dramatic footage shows Arthur being grabbed by officers and being shot with a 50,000 volt stun gun in a back garden.

Gushing: Days before the attack Ferne had claimed she wanted to marry Arthur as she told OK! magazine: 'We've spoken about our wedding'

He could be heard repeatedly yelling 'I'm here, I'm here' and begging them not to shoot him before sobbing and moaning during the raid in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire on Sunday morning.

Last week Collins was charged with 14 counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and one of throwing corrosive fluid on a person with intent to cause GBH. He will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court in Bow, east London, this morning.

Following the confirmation, fans swarmed Twitter to throw their support behind the embattled star: 'Well Ferne McCann has had an absolute shocker hasn't she... @fernemccann stay strong thoughts r with you... 

'Actual feel so sorry for Ferne McCann... Congratulations @fernemccann on the pregnancy. So happy for you. I know how much you have wanted a little baby. 

'Good luck. Going to be gorg... @fernemccann congratulations on your pregnancy ignore the trolls and all other haters your main concern is u and your child...

'a huge congratulations to you! Not everything works out as you planned, but you will be a fantastic mummy... Why are people targeting?? SHE WASN'T THERE! SHE DIDN'T DO IT & SHE ISN'T THE CRIMINAL! #getbackontv #weloveferne...

'stay strong for that tiny baby growing inside you..you've wanted a family for so long move forward as a happy family of two.x... Wish people would leave @fernemccann alone it isnt her fault she fell in love with him i wonder how many people fall in love wit the wrong1?... Poor Ferne McCann...

'Really miss @fernemccann Stay strong....he's not YOU....hope you're back on air soon... @fernemccann so happy for you, your gonna be amazing mummy. Lots of love and big hugs'.

'Wonderful news about your pregnancy, shame about the circumstances. Babies are blessings & you will do a wonderful job!... My heart literally goes out to you got everyone supporting you girl!... congratulations on your pregnancy! you're gonna be an amazing mummy! with or without the support from the father!'

Days before the attack Ferne had claimed she wanted to marry Arthur as she told OK! magazine in an accompanying interview to their cover photoshoot: 'We've spoken about our wedding.

'We want to get married on the beach. I want it to be a party and a celebration. I know that seems a bit rushed but when you know, you know.' The pair were in an on-off relationship last summer after meeting through picture-sharing website Instagram, but the romance soon drew to a close.

Back together: Ferne, who was not at the club at the time of the attack, rekindled her relationship with Arthur earlier this year. They were last month pictured on a romantic trip to Dubai

Ferne, who was not at the club at the time of the attack, then appeared on Celebs Go Dating, but rekindled her relationship with Arthur following the show. They were last month pictured on a romantic trip to Dubai.

Sophie Hall, 21, whose face was burned in the incident, said trouble broke out near her table at 1am, adding: 'There was a plume of white smoke that smelled like petrol. It hit me and there was the most awful burning sensation.

'My face felt as if it was on fire. The pain is indescribable… Like your skin is eating itself.'

Detective Inspector Lee McCullough said: 'This incident has caused suffering to a large group of people and left many others needing long-term treatment. The noxious substance has not yet been confirmed.'