Crossword Genius

Basic tools of hostile criminal (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eoliths

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'basic tools' is the definition.
'eoliths' can be an answer for 'tools' (I have seen 'early tools' mean 'eoliths' so perhaps 'tools' could also mean 'eoliths'). I am unsure of the 'basic' bit.

'hostile criminal' is the wordplay.
'criminal' is an anagram indicator.
'hostile' with letters rearranged gives 'EOLITHS'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eoliths that I've seen before include "Stones" , "Early stone implements" , "Pieces of flint" , "bits of stone" , "early tools" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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