Crossword Genius

Rang Al in deep distress! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pealed

'rang' is the definition.
('peal' can be a synonym of 'ring')

'al in deep distress' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'distress' indicates an anagram.
'deep' with letters rearranged gives 'peed'.
'al' put into 'peed' is 'PEALED'.

(Other definitions for pealed that I've seen before include "Rang out loudly" , "Sounded like the loud ringing of bells" , "produced claps" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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