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

Al-Shamie reportedly entered 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 dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

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

They said he would occasionally appear in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What has his relatives say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We ask that all press organizations honor 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 have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell lives near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was searched by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the dwelling used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the wider family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had resided there for five or six years but then left the residence, later visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.

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

"I didn't even know his name.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour remembered a baby also residing at the address but could not recall seeing a female living there.

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

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, to the floor and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."

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

Was he previously identified by authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are under way to determine if he is listed in any files of other investigations.

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 "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

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

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