Crossword Genius

Started with a bang, perhaps, out East (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

began

'started' is the definition.
('begin' can be a synonym of 'start')

'a bang perhaps out east' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates an anagram.
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'east' becomes 'e' ('E' can be a synonym of 'east').
'bang' is an anagram of 'bgan'.
'bgan' enclosing 'e' is 'BEGAN'.

'with' is the link.

(Another definition for began that I've seen is " Commenced, started".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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