Former One Direction member Zayn Malik has debuted a bold new look.

The 22-year-old was photographed with a shaved head this evening (April 17) during his first public appearance since leaving the group last month.

Malik walked the red carpet at the Annual Asian Awards in London, with his mother by his side.

The freshly shorn singer stopped to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans, but refused to answer any questions from the press.

Reports suggest that as the star entered the event at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, a small scuffle broke out among the waiting fans as they argued about the merits of his new hair style.

Shortly after Malik announced his departure from One Direction, a solo demo he had recorded with Naughty Boy was posted online by the producer.

The song, titled 'I Don't Mind', was later removed by the 'La La La' singer, though the pair were also spotted attending a joint recording session at a London studio in the same week.

One Direction are currently on a break from their 'On the Road Again' world tour. The four-piece will resume the run of shows in Cardiff on June 5.