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Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

The individual reportedly entered the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently released a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.

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

People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely engaged with his neighbors.

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What did his relatives state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not represent the truth.

"We hope God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

What were local residents observing?

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

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

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

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

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

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

"I was unaware of his identity.

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

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also living at the address but could not recall noticing a female staying there.

She said: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, to the floor and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.

"He appeared bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody around here," they added.

Had he been known to officials?

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

Additional inquiries are under way to determine if he is listed in any records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to learn that designation myself.

"In fact, 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 name."