CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Instrument produced by gypsy chap cutting steak (8)

9 One who informs bank worker (6)

10 Tense victory secures double (4) 11 What we’re called during explosive competition (10) 12 Sensitive offer (6) 14 Reptile in store – it desperately gulps oxygen (8)

15 Two sons leaving corks for hat (6)

17 Absolute ruler’s angry tirade after Troy gutted (6)

20 Easy shot bagging stray animal (8)

22 Display tawdry items also (6) 23 Later on, I worried about member’s gymnastic apparatus (10)

24 Helpful hint involving end of pier ride (4)

25 Spell and sign name inside (6)

DOWN

1 Bully put away after quarrel in B&B (8)

2 Old soldiers pointing to sign (4) 3 Notice in job centre in Beverley (6)

4 Mean to consume mostly fresh fish (8)

5 Colourful scholar entertaining lad in apartment (10) 6 Collection round pub raised for sport (6)

8 Fair play from English, somewhat reduced before close of play (6)

13 Leave time to include guys in office (10)

16 Working MO, deeply involved (8) 18 Very hot current across river (8) 19 Court giving support to current policeman’s charge (6) 21 Faux pas made by troublesome children heading off (6)

22 The man taken in by Conservative’s surmise (6) 24 Instant credit (4)