The paramilitary group, the Loyalist Volunteer Force, has said none of its members was involved in the murder of Richard Jameson near Portadown on Monday night.

There had been speculation that Mr Jameson, whom security sources say was the leader of the Ulster Volunteer Force in the Portadown area, was the victim of a feud between the two terror groups.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the LVF said speculation was wrong.

Mr Jameson will be buried in Portadown on Thursday. The RUC is still investigating the murder and had no comment to make on the LVF statement.

Dissident loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for the murder of Richard Jameson, 46, who was shot dead outside his home near Portadown, County Armagh.

Several people are still being questioned in connection with the murder of Mr Jameson.

Royal Ulster Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Tom Craig confirmed on Wednesday that a number of people had been arrested in the mid-Ulster area.

Mr Craig described the murder as callous but refused to speculate on the victim's alleged links to the UVF or speculation the killing was linked to a feud with loyalist dissidents the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF).

Security sources said he was the leader of the largest loyalist paramilitary grouping, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) in the Portadown area, a claim denied by the dead man's family.

Mr Jameson's brother Bobby said the victim had worked for both sides of the community.

"There were members from all walks of life appreciated him for all his help," he said.

It is understood the roofing contractor was shot several times at close range through the window of his jeep as he arrived home.

There has been a bitter dispute between the UVF and the smaller splinter group, the Loyalist Volunteer Force, for some time.

Both groups have declared ceasefires and are currently having prisoners freed from the Maze under the early release scheme.

Mr Jameson is believed to have been one of 12 people injured when tension between UVF and LVF supporters erupted into trouble at the end of a football match at Shamrock Park Social Club in Portadown, just after Christmas.