The funeral is due to take place of murder victim Richard Jameson who was shot dead in Northern Ireland on Monday night.

Dissident loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for killing Mr Jameson, who security forces believe was the leader of the largest loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), in the Portadown area.

However, on Wednesday night paramilitary splinter group the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) said none of its members was involved in the murder

It followed speculation that Mr Jameson was the victim of a feud between the two terror groups.

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

The Royal Ulster Constabulary is still investigating the murder and had no comment to make on the LVF statement.

No paramilitary trappings

Mr Jameson's family have denied he was a UVF leader and have said there will be no paramilitary trappings at his funeral.

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

Royal Ulster Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Tom Craig confirmed 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.

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.

The roofing contractor was shot several times at close range through the window of his jeep as he arrived at his home outside Portadown, in County Armagh.

There has been a bitter dispute between the UVF and the LVF for some years.

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.