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Information are gradually surfacing regarding 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 was granted UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family today released a declaration saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their fortitude and comfort."

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

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

What has his relatives state?

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

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their resilience and comfort.

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

"We hope God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the swift recovery of the injured."

What were neighbors observing?

Geoff Haliwell lives 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, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he said, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the area about 15 years ago.

He said the parent had lived there for five or six years but then left the residence, subsequently visiting in a car with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

He continued: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He seemed like a straightforward, ordinary lad, no indication would stand out to make you think he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour recalled a baby also residing at the location but could not remember seeing a female living there.

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard working out, lifting weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

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

One more local told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly near our home.

"I'd see him strolling in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, holding a shopping bag.

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

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

Was he previously identified by officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

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

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his parent is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

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

She said: "It was unexpected to learn that name myself.

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