EMMERDALE fans are convinced serial killer Lachlan White is making a return to the village.

Viewers believe Lachlan will turn back up in the soap after the Dingles' cottage was burgled over Christmas.

Lachlan was sent to prison earlier this year when his violent crimes and murders were exposed.

Fans thought Belle Dingle would be his next victim - but she managed to escape from his clutches and flee the village.

But Belle returned to Emmerdale in scenes that aired earlier this week - but it seems trouble has followed her.

As the Dingles gave statements to the police about the burglary, Belle began to look worried - prompting fans to believe Lachlan was behind the robbery.

One wrote on Twitter: "Possibly Lachlan's doing (since he is due back soon!) #Emmerdale #BoxingDay".

Another said: “I’m thinking Lachlan trashed Wishing Well cottage or more likely he had someone do it for him.

"I would think someone would be alerted if Lachlan himself got out. #Emmerdale".

A third speculated: "Whoever broke in must have been looking for something specific to not take anything, but what? #Emmerdale".

There could be something in the theories - it was recently revealed revealed that Lachlan - actor Thomas Atkinson - is set to make a comeback after being locked away after his killing spree.

An insider said: : "Taking a break away from the village was just what Belle needed to get her head together after everything she went through with Lachlan.

"But as she tries to get back on track, the ever-conniving Lachlan hasn't forgotten about her or the village.

"There are some more brief scenes coming up involving Lachlan but whether he is repentant over his crimes and wants to make amends or whether he has revenge on his mind once again remains to be seen.

"Either way, these are old wounds that Belle really didn't need to have opened up.

"Every time she thinks she can forget about Lachlan, things have a habit of coming back to haunt her."