CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

15 887

Across

1. Disputed position of two horses, missing nothing? (5,6) 9. Armed police order a limit to be placed around one (7)

10. South African company hires taxi firm in early stage of life (7) 11. Leaves squad without a back (3) 12. Release group at no charge (3,4) 13. Fortify huge complex in fashion (7) 14. Policeman arrests old GP (3) 15. Head grabs small stick (5) 17. Sketch 14 at back of boat (5) 18. Do some research in model vehicles (5) 20. Rent increased? Get abatement (3-2) 22. Golfer plays from here and there regularly (3) 24. Football Association split after Henry cut harsh rule (7) 25. Doctor accepts large ring’s pleasing on the ear (7) 26. Group confined in Pentagon in the past (3) 27. Miner runs after sheepdog (7) 28. Missile’s explosive round trip (7) 29. TT champions ruined exciting moments in court (5,6)

Down

1. CIA loyalist trained to enter top refuge in state (9,6) 2. Prominent rock group reveal hairstyle (7) 3. Ordinary judge to make speech pompously (5) 4. Restless writer’s occupant of ward perhaps (9) 5. Coming home in spring (7) 6. Corrupt adherents shared callous attitude (15) 7. Made broadcast to keep

us entertained (6) 8. Extremely clumsy gannet kicks out an immature bird (6) 16. Old tar spoils hotel in coastal area (4,5) 18. Desert fault (6) 19. Favouring the best, European catalogue includes it (7) 21. Sanctimonious celeb grabs large seat at the back (7) 23. Provoke former Italian in church (6) 25. Family crest: ‘Bring up rear, not front’ (5)