Inquisitor 1287

[Neveracrossword]

I'm halfway through, but have been stuck on these for ages.

8 D. Local producer of bolts, say, ultimately has no barrels (4) s??b
2 D. Charles may be preferred by one organiser having a little setback embracing independence (9) a???????r


NB The preamble says that each clue has a misprint in the definition.

[boreas]

(been away)

Yes, I realised that after you explained about 'sequentially'.
I'm now going to have another look.

[Neveracrossword]

Having made a little copy of the grid, I can see that the removals are symmetrical - so I will investigate that further.

[Neveracrossword]

The slight symmetry in a couple of the removals appears to lead nowhere. Please consider this a 'lack of progress' report, rather than a progress report.

[boreas]

I'm going to run off another copy and start again leaving the relevant squares blank . . . I can's see anything for all the crossings out

[Neveracrossword]

That's what I did, primarily to do the sequential stuff. I hoped all would be revealed with my nicer,tidier grid - but no joy, I'm afraid. Good luck!

[Neveracrossword]

All my staring has got me nowhere. I'll have another attempt tomorrow.

[boreas]

Yep, me too

[Neveracrossword]

Boreas - I've got it! I decided that 'sequentially' was the key, so I checked all round the fourth rubbing out. The criminal is not as 'straight' as the others, but he is there. 'Acme' should help you.

[boreas]

Morning Never,

Yes I see him. I had been looking in that area last night, and could get a jumble of that name in 23, 27 and 32 A. But it didn't feel right and wasn't affected by any rubbing out.
Great puzzle I think.

[Neveracrossword]

Glad we're finished - I really enjoyed this, apart from the frustrating delay at the end.

[boreas]

I was chasing the wrong villains for a while - thought we after the Lavender Hill Mob.

[Indy-trier]

I have a completed grid and have found the escaped "criminal". I have rubbed out two of the gang members but am having a problem with another one as his first name is only one letter short of the first name of the survivor! Rub him out or leave her in??

[Indy-trier]

PS if my solution is right I only need to rub out two gang members to make it work! I must be going wrong somewhere!

[boreas]

You only need the surname of the survivor - and you need to rub out all five of the gang

[Indy-trier]

Thanks Boreas. That's what I did at first. Then I noticed the A on the end and confused myself! The only one I need to find now is the first member of the gang. I have found some very unsatisfactory possibilities, which, like one of he down members, don't seem close enough to my survivor grid wise. I'll keep looking.

[boreas]

you mean the ringleader?
He was the hardest one to find

[boreas]

If you go back a few answers, you'll find a very big clue from Neveracrossword

[Indy-trier]

I did follow Neveracrossword's tip but rejected it as it doesn't appear "otherwise straight". Maybe I have something wrong somewhere but I can't see a better option so may have to settle for it! Thanks Boreas.

[Indy-trier]

Oops! As soon as I sent the last message I saw my mistake and found my better diagonally straight option!! I'd put a T where a C should go in one if my answers. Am now happy!

[Ripper]

Well I'm stuck!
I think the characters are from 'W R' as I have found bits of them in the grid!
Please could someone give me a hint to help me on my way!
Thanks in advance