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Information are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently entered the UK as a young child and received UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently released a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

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

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

It was mentioned he would occasionally dress in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We fully separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sorrow over what has transpired. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their families, and we pray for their resilience and comfort.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.

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

What did neighbors observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a residence 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 knew the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the home, subsequently returning in a car with French number plates.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

He continued: "I would see him at least a couple of times a weekly, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

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

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, to the floor and the following day denim and sleepwear."

One more local told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his pyjamas and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.

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

"He did not appear to talk to anyone around here," they added.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

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

Further checks are in progress to determine if he is listed in any records of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in English and coding, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to discover that designation 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 identity."