It came from outer space and tore ‘em to shreds! (6)
I believe the answer is:
meteor
'it came from outer space' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'tore 'em to shreds' is the wordplay.
'to shreds' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'shredded' mean this).
'tore'+'em'='toreem'
'toreem' is an anagram of 'METEOR'.
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for meteor that I've seen before include "Glowing heavenly body" , "extraterrestrial debris" , "Component of shower" , "A space-traveller" , "streaker?" .)