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Information are gradually surfacing regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie 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 the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently released a declaration stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and solace."

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

It was mentioned he would occasionally dress in casual attire and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives state?

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

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

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

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the facts.

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

What did local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides near 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, explained the dwelling was previously on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

He said the father had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later returning in a car with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in western clothes and other times conventional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

He added: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a week, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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

She said: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full-length robe, to the floor and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him strolling in his sleepwear and casual footwear, carrying a bag from stores.

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

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

Had he been previously identified by officials?

The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks 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 the English language and coding, and his parent is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

Commenting on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "struggle of the Syrian".

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his name."