CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Someone who robs Met violently? (7) 5. Putrid crumbling cesspit emitting sulphur (6) 9. A re ministers in it for the drink? (7) 10. Evasive old Tory retains Mensa measure (7) 11. Cobbler uses it to bore everybody, I hear (3) 12. Helpful boxer dined about 4 (11) 13. Broadcasting two-thirds of one tune (2, 3) 14. Mother provided one in sea, shrivelled up (9) 16. China’s behind poor game (9) 17. Sea food recipe packed in ice (5) 19. Utter quack (11) 22. Model-makers make use of this wood (3) 23. Game to do with passing round dictionary, I think (3,4) 24. Redcoat trained 1930s-style (3,4) 26. Draw small two masted vessel (6) 27. Make crude canoes designed to cross river (7)

Down

1. Construction kit can come in bits (7) 2. Butcher squabbled with EU bank for food (6,3, 6) 3. Container that’s found in middle of Bosnia (3) 4. Reminiscent of the past, somewhat before Troy (5) 5. Representative of bicycle wheel manufacturer? (9) 6. A Liverpool manager’s almost revolutionary dance (5) 7. Papal court’s cut on jailing seven moved by spying (15) 8. Engineering graduate gripped old saw (6) 12. Pet lifted chunk of big rock (5) 14. Head of family makes a brief journey during month (9) 15. Bumpy ride, about a kilo metre, was annoying (5) 16. Britpop group tracks lacking focus (6) 18. Send up city politician with nothing on (7) 20. Ward off state close to defeat (5) 21. Sarah’s child is caught nicking articles (5) 25. Leaves duck with no tail (3)