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Information are gradually surfacing regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

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

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

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently interacted with his those living nearby.

It was mentioned he would occasionally appear in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from employing this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.

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

What were neighbors say?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. 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 taken aback, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the area approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had resided there for five or six years but then left the home, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

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

"I was unaware of his identity.

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

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also living at the address but could not remember noticing a woman living there.

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and sleepwear."

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

"I observed him walking around in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a shopping bag.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."

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

Had he been previously identified by officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in initial searches of law enforcement and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are in progress to see if he appears anywhere files of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

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

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard someone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."