Emmerdale acid attack... at 7pm

ITV has been accused of trampling over the watershed after a 7pm episode of Emmerdale featured a horrific acid attack.

Hundreds of viewers complained to Ofcom about the scene on Thursday evening, which showed the soap’s Ross Barton being disfigured by a drug dealer.

ITV warned before the show aired that it could be upsetting.

But viewers were still furious at the decision to air such graphic footage two hours before the watershed, when many children are still watching. Some 228 people complained to Ofcom, while others voiced their shock on Twitter.

One said: ‘Bit strong for 7pm is it not? Surely that shouldn’t be on before the watershed?’

Others warned that the episode could spark copycat acid attacks, and accused Emmerdale bosses of taking dangerous risks to chase ratings. Yesterday, Emmerdale bosses defended the grisly scene, which showed the victim’s face becoming scarred. A spokesman said the storyline ‘thoroughly researched’, adding: ‘Emmerdale has a long track record of tackling difficult and topical storylines.

‘We take our responsibility seriously when portraying what happens in these circumstances.’

ITV said: ‘[Emmerdale] is subject to stringent compliance procedures to ensure that when tackling difficult storylines ... violence is limited and portrayed within generally accepted standards, in keeping with its early evening scheduling.’ Ofcom said it is still assessing whether to probe the complaints.