The RUC yesterday arrested a number of people in loyalist areas of Portadown, Co Armagh, in connection with its continuing investigation into the murder of Mr Adrian Lamph. Those arrested were being held at Gough Barracks, Armagh, last night.
A spokesman for the RUC confirmed the arrests but would not elaborate on the number detained. However, sources in Portadown said two local loyalists were now in custody, one a prominent political activist in the town.
Since the murder of the 29year-old Catholic council worker, the RUC has arrested 13 people from the Portadown area. Two, a man and a woman, have already appeared in court on charges relating to the murder, for which no group has as yet claimed responsibility. It is believed, however, that Mr Lamph was murdered by the Loyalist Volunteer Force, which has its base in Portadown.
Recent search-and-arrest operations by the RUC in the Portadown area have been seen as a determined effort by the security forces to put pressure on loyalist paramilitaries operating in the town.