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

Al-Shamie apparently entered the UK during his early youth and was granted British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently issued a declaration saying: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and solace."

People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently interacted 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 family state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and sentiments are with the injured 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 extremely challenging time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the facts.

"May God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What were local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a house 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, said the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "a little", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a car with French number plates.

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

He added: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, regular young man, nothing would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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A different resident recalled a baby also living at the location but could not remember seeing a female staying there.

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

"He used to change his clothes.

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

One more local told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly outside ours.

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

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

"He did not appear to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been known to officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of law enforcement and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are under way to see if he appears in any files of other investigations.

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

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

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

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