The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word TAILED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
A
I
L
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "followed" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case followed = tailed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TAILED mean?
TAILED verb- To follow and observe surreptitiously.
- To hold by the end; said of a timber when it rests upon a wall or other support; with in or into
- To swing with the stern in a certain direction; said of a vessel at anchor.
- To follow or hang to, like a tail; to be attached closely to, as that which can not be evaded.
- To pull or draw by the tail.
- (often in combination) Having a tail.
- Of certain butterflies, having one or more filamentous projections on the tornal section of each hind wing.