ITV Protection viewers were left divided following its first two instalments as many felt the new cop drama’s second episode stretched credibility with its plot.

The new show, which debuted on Sunday, plunges audiences into the high-risk world of witness protection.

The show stars Siobhan Finneran stars as DI Liz Nyles, a senior police officer tasked with managing confidential informants.

In the first episode, Nyles’ world was tipped upside down as one of her safe houses was attacked – leaving two people dead and 12-year-old Amy (Tilly Kaye) orphaned.

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Viewers were left reeling after the young girl’s dog, a cuddly white Shih Tzu, was killed by the assassins.

They flooded social media with shock at the graphic shot of the pooch’s lifeless body.

As Nyles attempted to pick up the pieces, Amy was found still hiding in the property – who the maverick cop decided to take into her care in Monday’s instalment.

As the little girl was taken back to Nyles’s house, fans quickly returned to socials to blast the “unrealistic” development and complain that “Protection doesn’t make sense”.

“I really want to like these series’ but come on! Like they would let one single officer just take the kid to her house and ferry her about totally on her own,” one complained on X.

Another fumed: “It’s sheer insanity. There’s clear Safeguarding rules surrounding children and what Liz is doing with Amy is totally ignoring those!”

An incredulous third added: “It’s absolute madness that the daughter isn’t under new witness protection and prancing about with the witness protection officer? Might as well hand the daughter over to the killers now. #Protection.”

“This wouldn’t be allowed surely…” a fourth questioned.

Other fans found the breakneck pace of the programme, replete with twists and turns, hard to buy into.

“This is full of holes…not sure if I can keep watching, it’s SO irritating,” one slammed.

A second observed: “#Protection is trying too hard. Too much is happening in too short a time. Siobhan Finneran is a great actor, but viewers barely have time to absorb all the twists.”

“Totally unrealistic but totally enjoying #Protection,” a third admitted.

Even with the alleged plot holes, seemingly unrealistic plot, and a gruesome dog murder, other viewers shared their enjoyment of the new drama.

“Watched episode one of #Protection – Siobhan Finneran and Katherine Kelly work SO well together. Amazing stuff already!” one praised.

Another glowed: “#Protection is absolutely gripping I loved it ! And can’t wait to watch another episode tomorrow.” (sic)