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Information are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie reportedly came to the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently issued a statement saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

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

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in casual attire and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives state?

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

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their resilience and peace.

"We kindly request that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the truth.

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

What did local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling was previously on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.

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

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He added: "I would see 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, regular young man, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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

She commented: "We used to see him out in the garden exercising, doing weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local informed the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

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

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

"He never seemed to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they added.

Was he known to officials?

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 subject to ongoing scrutiny.

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

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor educating in English and computer programming, and his father is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

Commenting 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 responded: "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 title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."