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

Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK as a young child and was granted UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently issued a declaration stating: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

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

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely engaged with his neighbors.

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

What has his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

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

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their strength and comfort.

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

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

What did local residents say?

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

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

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

He said the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the home, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a straightforward, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you think he was different."

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A different resident recalled a baby also residing at the address but could not recall seeing a female living there.

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

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, to the floor and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly outside ours.

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

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

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

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are under way to see if he appears in any files of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in English and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."