The Loyalist Volunteer Force has again denied involvement in the killing of a Belfast Catholic, Mr Brian Service (35).
In a brief statement issued in Portadown, the LVF said that contrary to statements by those it described as "political pygmies" and "agents provocateurs", the terror group's army council "again deny any involvement in the murder of Mr Service". The group rejected the "view of PUP communists that an LVF splinter group carried out this action", saying the LVF ceasefire remained "unequivocal and complete".
The murder of Mr Service, claimed by the little known loyalist group the "Red Hand Defenders", had provoked intense media speculation that LVF dissidents were involved.
However, last night security force sources said they believed the murder was carried out by disaffected loyalists from the Belfast area.
The LVF claims certain loyalist political elements tried to blame them for the killing to shift the blame from mainstream loyalist paramilitary groups on ceasefire. The LVF maintains that this would give the Secretary of State, Dr Mowlam, further reason to refuse to recognise its ceasefire.
The LVF says it will decommission weapons within weeks once the ceasefire is recognised and LVF prisoners become eligible for early release.
President Clinton yesterday condemned the killing and urged restraint against any impulse to retaliate.