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Information are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently issued a statement saying: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts 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 infrequently engaged with his those living nearby.

They said he would sometimes appear in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

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

"We kindly request that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.

"May God shows compassion on the innocent victims, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents 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 police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

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

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then left the residence, subsequently returning in a vehicle with French number plates.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

He continued: "I would see him at least a couple of times a weekly, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a straightforward, regular young man, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

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

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"One day he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly near our home.

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

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anyone around here," they added.

Was he previously identified by authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

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

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor teaching the English language and computer programming, and his father is a medical doctor.

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

Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was questioned about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari translated as "struggle of the Syrian".

She responded: "I was very surprised to learn that name myself.

"In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his identity."