Crossword Genius

Control river pests (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

police

'control' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'river pests' is the wordplay.
'river' becomes 'po' (Italian river).
'pests' becomes 'lice' (lice are pests).
'po'+'lice'='POLICE'

(Other definitions for police that I've seen before include "Law-and-order force" , "Constabulary" , "Limbs of the law" , "Gardai" , "Keep watch on" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
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