Emmerdale outrage as Tom King's lethal act leaves fans 'turning off'

*Trigger warning: This article contains talk of domestic and animal abuse that some readers may find upsetting

Emmerdale viewers were left seething as Tom King, portrayed by actor James Chase, administered a fatal injection to Piper, leaving Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) heartbroken. The ITV soap delivered a harrowing episode on Monday (August 19), showcasing the moment a violent Tom allowed his battered wife Belle a final farewell with her dog.

As a tearful Belle bid goodbye to her cherished canine companion sprawled on the vet's table, Tom readied the lethal dose that would put an end to Piper's life.

The appalling deed follows Tom's previous act of malice where he intentionally hit and wounded Belle's treasured dog in an attempt to regain dominance over her. Enraged by his loss of control, he was desperate for Belle to become dependent on him once more.

However, Piper's needless demise has unmistakably exposed Tom's true nature to Belle, who now sees through his façade and confronts him about her suspicions.

While strolling through the village, Belle is visibly distressed and reeling from what appears to be Piper's death, but she then directly accuses Tom of "killing her", reports the Express.

Tom hastily attempts to leverage the tragedy insisting Belle requires company for her mental well-being.

Belle rebuffs him, yet Tom persists, arguing that he should be present to support her and that she needs him. Halting abruptly upon realising Tom's culpability, Belle's expression turns to one of sheer fury.

Despite Tom's efforts to refute the claim, Belle confronts him, exclaiming: "Oh my God it was you. It was you wasn't it... you've killed her. You ran her over."

Emmerdale viewers were left appalled by Tom's