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

Al-Shamie reportedly came to the UK during his early youth and was granted British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

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

"Our sympathies and thoughts 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 fitness devotee who rarely interacted with his those living nearby.

They said he would sometimes dress in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his family say?

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 deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the facts.

"We hope God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What did local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell lives near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he said, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He added: "I would see him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just said 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a straightforward, regular young man, no indication would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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A different resident recalled a baby also residing at the address but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

She commented: "We used to see 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 pyjama bottoms."

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I observed him walking around in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a bag from stores.

"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

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

Was he previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

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

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching English and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to discover that name myself.

"In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has always been his name."