The man leading the investigation into the murder of the Lurgan solicitor, Ms Rosemary Nelson, confirmed last night that FBI agents are no longer actively involved.
The Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk, Mr Colin Port, said the agency continued to be involved "in an advisory capacity". Mr John Guido, FBI legal attache at the US embassy in London, has visited Northern Ireland in this role within the last two weeks. He is in regular contact with the investigation team, Mr Port said.
The FBI's active role ended in mid to late April, according to Mr Port, when it had finished its task in terms of overseeing the investigation.
He praised the FBI's experience and expertise in advising the RUC and the members of the investigation team.
He said: "They were immensely valuable. The people they sent were some of their best people and were of enormous benefit to the RUC in that respect and continue to be of benefit to me in an advisory capacity."
Mr Port said the investigation team had identified more than 2,000 lines of inquiry but as yet had not interviewed any suspects in connection with the murder.
"The investigation is continuing and is working well. We are continuing in a methodical and focused and rigorous way," he added.
A statement issued in April by Mr Guido said the RUC had been well prepared to handle the investigation and "we found little that we would suggest they would change or do differently."