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

The individual reportedly entered the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

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

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their fortitude and solace."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely interacted with his neighbors.

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

What did his family say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not reflect the truth.

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

What were local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a residence 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, said the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He said the parent had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He was just a straightforward, regular young man, nothing would stand out to make you think he was different."

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A different resident remembered a infant also residing at the location but could not remember noticing a female staying there.

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

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear."

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

"I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been known to officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed 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 used to work as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his father is a surgeon.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

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

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

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