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

The individual apparently came to the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently issued a declaration saying: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident 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 pray for their strength and comfort."

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

They said he would occasionally appear in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his family say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace.

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

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

What did neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the wider 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 area approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in western clothes and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize benches to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his name.

"He was just a straightforward, regular young man, nothing would be noticeable to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

• Stay updated: Two individuals killed in the Manchester incident identified

Another neighbour remembered a infant also residing at the address but could not recall noticing a female staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his outfits.

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

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly outside ours.

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

"He appeared bulked-up and often stored his exercise weights in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been known to authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks 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 is listed anywhere records of other investigations.

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

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

Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari interpreted as "struggle of the Syrian".

She said: "It was unexpected to discover that designation myself.

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