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

The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives today issued a statement stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and convey our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

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 dress.

What did his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully separate ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace.

"We ask that all press organizations honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

"We hope God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What did local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a residence 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 wider family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people".

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

He indicated the father had lived there for five or six years but then left the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his name.

"He seemed like a straightforward, regular young man, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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

She commented: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day denim and sleepwear."

One more local told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I observed him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a bag from stores.

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his garage. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are under way to see if he is listed in any files of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor teaching English and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

She said: "I was very surprised to discover that designation myself.

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."