Crossword Genius

Result of police no longer getting firm backing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

occur

'result' is the definition.
(I know this)

'police no longer getting firm backing' is the wordplay.
'police no longer' becomes 'RUC' (Royal Ulster Constabulary, disbanded police force).
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'backing' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ruc'+'co'='rucco'
'rucco' in reverse letter order is 'OCCUR'.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for occur that I've seen before include "exist" , "Befall" , "Spring to mind" , "Go on" , "Come to pass" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.