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Information are gradually surfacing regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently issued a statement saying: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and comfort."

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally appear in casual attire and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his family state?

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

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace.

"We kindly request that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

"We hope God shows compassion on the innocent victims, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell lives close to a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was searched by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the area about 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had resided there for several years but then left the residence, later returning in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and other times traditional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He added: "I would see him no less than a couple of times a week, we just said 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, nothing would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour recalled a baby also living at the address but could not remember seeing a woman staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear."

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, holding a shopping bag.

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."

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

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in initial searches of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are in progress to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor educating in the English language and computer programming, and his father is a medical doctor.

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

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

She said: "It was unexpected to discover that designation myself.

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."