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Details are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family today issued a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

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

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his those living nearby.

It was mentioned he would sometimes appear in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all media outlets honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

"May God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were neighbors say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near 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 was previously on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he remarked, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

He said the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just said 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear."

Another resident informed 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 walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anyone around here," they added.

Was he previously identified by authorities?

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

Further checks are under way to see if he appears in any records of other investigations.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in English and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

Speaking on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard anyone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."