Reportedly destroys old symbols (5)

I believe the answer is:

runes

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'symbols' is the definition.
(rune is a kind of symbol)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for runes that I've seen before include "marks on old tablets" , "Small stones bearing symbols with magic significance" , "Mysterious letters" , "old characters" , "Old letters" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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