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Details continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family today issued a declaration saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we hope for their strength and solace."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely engaged with his those living nearby.

It was mentioned he would sometimes appear 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 violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

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

"May God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was raided by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

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

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

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

He added: "I would see him at least once or twice a week, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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

She commented: "We often observed him out in the garden exercising, doing weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

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

Another resident told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, holding a bag from stores.

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

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

Was he known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are in progress to determine if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor teaching the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."