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Information continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

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 Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today issued a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

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

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

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What has his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has transpired. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their strength and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.

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

What were local residents observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I was shocked," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street about 15 years ago.

He said the parent had resided there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, subsequently returning in a car with French number plates.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times traditional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

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

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also living at the location but could not remember noticing a woman living there.

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

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

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

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

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

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

Was he known to authorities?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears in any files of other investigations.

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

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

Speaking 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: "It was unexpected to learn that designation myself.

"Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."