Emmerdale horror as villain Tom King targets a new victim to KILL in sinister storyline – after Ofcom complaints

EMMERDALE villain Tom King is going to try to kill another victim tonight – but it’s not wife Belle Dingle.

The sick vet – who is played by actor James Chase in the ITV soap – is desperately trying to regain control over Belle after she managed to escape his abuse.

Evil Tom King will take sickening action in an effort to regain control over BelleCredit: ITV

Poor Piper is set to become Tom’s latest victimCredit: ITV

Viewers have seen him try to manipulate her by buying a car and secretly install covert cameras all through her house so he can watch her even when she’s in the bathroom.

But tonight he’s going to go even further and try to kill her beloved rescue dog Piper.

Tom has already drugged the dog into sickness, and abused her by leaving her in the rain in the harrowing storyline that shows how abusers use their victim’s pets to control them.

Previous scenes have attracted hundreds of viewer complaints to regulator Ofcom.

And tonight he will go even further in a sinister twist.

Tom, played by James Chase, is seen deliberately revving his car in the direction of the beloved animal.

“Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle,” actor James said.

“This deliberate act, although horrifying, is Tom’s way of getting back in Belle’s life.

“He knows her reaction to Piper being injured will mean he can then be the one to comfort her and get close to her again.

“It’s a desperate act, but Tom is clutching at anything at this time.”

Emmerdale bosses have been working closely with the charities Refuge and The Dogs Trust on the hard-hitting storyline and are keen to stress that the no dog was harmed to film the storyline.

In 2019 research by Dogs Trust found that pets are often abused and, in some cases, killed by the perpetrator of domestic abuse in order to control and coerce.

In addition to the physical abuse that pets may suffer, 97% of professionals working in the domestic abuse sector also said that animals are often used as a means of controlling someone experiencing domestic abuse.

Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw explains: “Working with the charities and hearing first hand stories from domestic abuse survivors it’s clearly all too common that domestic abusers will use the family pet as a weapon.

“In upcoming scenes viewers will see Tom go to desperate measures to try and keep control of his imploding marriage to Belle, which puts Piper in great jeopardy.

“Could this terrible act be the motivation that finally urges Belle to report her husband as an abuser?”

Tom has abused Belle for monthsCredit: ITV

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust added: “The recent storyline involving Belle, Tom and Piper is incredibly distressing, but sadly it is reflective of what we too often see through our work.

“Those we support share their stories of the many ways that perpetrators use pets to coerce, control, physically harm and threaten within abusive relationships.

“We’ve heard of perpetrators not letting survivors walk their dogs alone, stopping them from accessing vet care for their dogs or being able to spend money on dog food, and even repeatedly threatening to harm or kill their dogs.

“This is incredibly frightening, and leaves people feeling very isolated.

“Sometimes, perpetrators will even buy their partner a pet with the purpose of using it as a means by which to control and entrap them, preying on the strong bonds people have with their beloved pets.

“We know that people often delay fleeing abusive situations as they are fearful of what may happen to their pets if left behind, and unfortunately, many refuges are unable to accept pets.

“This is where our Freedom team steps in to provides a vital lifeline, offering a safe and secure foster home for dogs until their owners have found somewhere safe to live.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in demand for our service, so it’s more important than ever that we are there to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse who needs to flee to safety with their pet.”

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge said: “Sadly we know that abusers will often use a myriad of different ways to inflict harm on their partner or ex partner.

“Domestic abuse is rooted in power and control and often abusers will focus their abuse onto pets too.

Emmerdale viewers were sickened when Piper was left out in the cold and rain by cruel TomCredit: ITV

Emmerdale has worked with charities to raise awareness of how pets can be used by abusersCredit: ITV

“There is a big link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Pets are part of the family dynamic and domestic abuse can have devastating consequences.

“We’ve seen links with economic control and animal abuse – whereby a perpetrator will withhold funds and prevent a survivor from buying pet food or paying vet bills, and we’ve seen tragic cases of violence against animals, as well as threatening behaviour like in this storyline.

“It’s important that soaps do not shy away from the horrific reality of domestic abuse and all its impacts.

“If you recognise any of the behaviours displayed by Tom, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. If this is the case, you are not alone.