The UVF is suspected of involvement in a gun and pipebomb attack on a house on the outskirts of Bangor, Co Down. The incident is understood to be linked to growing tensions between loyalists.
A couple were in the house in Breezemount Rise when shots were fired through the living room at 10.20 p.m. on Sunday. A petrol-bomb was thrown through the window and set fire to furniture.
Both occupants had run into the hall before the device exploded. Neither was hurt in the attack but the woman was treated for shock. The car used in the attack had been hijacked in Holywood.
A man forced the owner to drive at gunpoint to Ardgreena Gardens where another man was waiting. The car was then used in the attack. It was later found burnt out on the Glen Estate in Newtownards.
Local loyalist sources blamed the UVF and said the attack was linked to growing tensions between mainstream and anti-agreement loyalists. It is understood a member of the family targeted had received a death threat.
An RUC spokesman said police were still investigating a motive for the attack.
It was the second attack in the Breeze mount Estate this year. In March, Loyalist Volunteer Force member Adrian Porter was shot dead at his Breezemount Park home.
The killing of Mr Porter (34), a close associate of Johnny Adair, was believed to be drug related. Security sources had blamed that attack on the UVF.
Condemning Sunday's attack, the North Down MP, Mr Bob McCartney, said there was a "rising tide of paramilitary crime and culture". Alliance Assembly member Ms Eileen Bell said she would seek an urgent meeting with the RUC.
"We don't want this to escalate into all-out warfare. We need to act urgently and we need to act now," she said. Conservative councillor Ms Ann Thompson said she was relieved no one was seriously injured.
"I'm obviously very annoyed about this happening in Breezemount because there are a lot of people there doing good work in the estate and could do without this publicity."