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Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently entered the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently issued a declaration saying: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the those affected and their families, and we pray for their strength and solace."

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently interacted with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally appear in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not reflect the facts.

"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What were local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was raided by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he remarked, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies relocated to the area approximately 15 years ago.

He said the father had resided there for several years but then left the residence, later returning in a car with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.

He added: "I would see him no less than once or twice a weekly, we just said 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

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A different resident recalled a infant also residing at the location but could not remember seeing a woman living there.

She said: "We used to see him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next jeans and sleepwear."

One more local told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they concluded.

Was he known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears in any files of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari interpreted as "struggle of the Syrian".

She responded: "I was very surprised to discover that name myself.

"Actually, as a Muslim, I've never heard someone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his identity."