Tom King (James Chase) sank to devastating new lows in Emmerdale when he attacked wife Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) beloved pooch Piper.

Belle returned to the village this week after time away in Scotland, with Tom bombarding her with messages, pleased to have her back where he can keep an eye on her.

Lydia (Karen Blick) encouraged her to get out of the house and attend Sam’s (James Hooton) birthday gathering at The Woolie. Tom, who was present, was quick to approach her for a conversation.

Belle stood her ground, telling him she’d prefer if he didn’t attend her family’s celebrations.

Furious at her defence, he grabbed her wrist and began to threaten her. Suddenly, a wave of confidence flooded over her and she exploded, telling him to leave immediately.

Embarrassed that the rest of the Dingle clan overheard, he departed.

Furious that she wouldn’t accept the new car, Tom smashed up the GPS tracker and drove up to Wishing Well Cottage. Here he noticed innocent doggy Piper, and drove the car towards her.

At the end of Friday’s (August 16) episode, he pretended he’d found her on the road, rushed her to the vets and said he’d do everything to help her.

Fans have been desperately concerned for Piper’s welfare but, unfortunately, it’s not looking good for the beloved pet.

The above preview clip – taken from Monday’s (August 19) edition of the ITV soap – sees Belle and Tom return to the village, evidently reeling from what’s happened.

The former couple stroll down Main Street discussing their loss, as Tom begins another fabricated act of being concerned for her mental health.

But as he begins to suggest moving in with her at Dale Head again, Belle suddenly has a moment of clarity – Tom was the one who ran down Piper.

‘It was you!’, she exclaims, ‘You’ve killed her!’.

Tom is left reeling, not having expected Belle to work out his involvement in the incident. The question is: will she be able to prove it? And will poor Piper get justice?