Called up some strangers (4)

I believe the answer is:

rang

'called up' is the definition.
('ring' can be a synonym of 'call up')

'some strangers' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'RANG' can be found hidden inside 'strangers'.

(Other definitions for rang that I've seen before include "Phoned; did resound" , "(Of bell) sounded" , "Made tolling sound or phoned" , "Called" , "Chimed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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