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Details are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

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

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today issued a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their strength and comfort."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his neighbors.

It was mentioned he would sometimes appear in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What has his family state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, 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 in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we wish for their strength and comfort.

"We ask that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not represent the facts.

"We hope God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a house 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, said the dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I was shocked," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had resided there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later returning in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.

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

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you think he was different."

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also residing 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, push-ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly outside ours.

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

"He was quite bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I'd see them there."

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

Was he previously identified by authorities?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" 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 said: "It was unexpected to discover that designation myself.

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his identity."