There are increased fears that an inter-loyalist feud could soon break out in many areas of the North. Senior RUC personnel have warned that the UVF may be preparing to embark on a purge of the LVF.
Security force intelligence reports indicate that, following the murder of a UVF commander, Mr Richard Jameson, in Portadown last month, senior members of that organisation have instructed units to collect information on suspected LVF personnel in their areas.
The units are now believed to have selected a number of potential targets and are prepared to strike once the UVF leadership gives the order to do so.
Security sources have blamed the LVF for the murder of Mr Jameson, who was shot dead as he arrived at his home near Portadown on January 10th.
Members of Mr Jameson's family also blamed the LVF for the attack and have called on the organisation to disband. They also accused the LVF in Portadown of being heavily involved in the local drugs trade.
Meanwhile, many prominent LVF men in mid-Ulster have already gone to ground fearing reprisal attacks by the UVF.
A loyalist source said yesterday: "Finding an LVF man in Portadown at the moment is like finding an Orangeman at Drumcree. They're scarce on the ground. The UVF might have to look further afield.
"What does worry people is the possibility of a full-scale feud breaking out between the UVF and LVF in Portadown," the source continued. "There is the belief the UVF will go for something spectacular. People are frightened about what could happen in the next few weeks."
A security force source said the UVF threat was being taken seriously.