Emmerdale airs moment Tom King runs over dog Piper in sick plan to win back Belle Dingle

Emmerdale‘s Tom King has targeted Belle Dingle’s beloved dog Piper as part of his latest scheme to win her back in a horrifying twist.

The evil vet (James Chase) has been left reeling recently after wife Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) called it quits on their marriage following months of abuse.

Tom has been gaslighting and lying to Belle but she decided to break free during their trip to Wales and he’s since moved in with the Kings, who are unaware of his true colours.

Belle, however, has moved back into Dale Head after Tom told her he changed the locks but he failed to inform her that he also got a key made for himself and has since set up cameras inside her house.

During Friday’s (August 16) episode, his behaviour took a sinister twist when it became evident that he planned to harm pet dog Piper. In harrowing scenes, Tom was seen deliberately revving his car in the direction of the beloved animal, who has accidentally escaped while the Dingles were out enjoying Sam’s party at The Woolpack.

A frantic Tom was later seen rushing back to the village with Piper wrapped in a blanket pretending to be concerned for the dog he just mowed down with his car. Leaving the pub, Belle spotted Tom, who promised he’d do all he can to save Piper.

Talking about Tom’s sinister plan, actor James explained: “Tom is well aware of the control he can exert by using his dog in his abuse of Belle.

“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.”

Previous scenes involving Tom’s treatment of Piper caused uproar with almost Ofcom receiving 876 complaints. The Emmerdale team have been working closely with the charities Refuge and The Dogs Trust regarding the storyline.

Fans will have to wait and see if Tom’s latest sick scheme manages to win him back into Belle’s good books or if it pushes her further away.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm