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Details continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

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

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently released a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely interacted with his neighbors.

They said he would sometimes appear in casual attire and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his family say?

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

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We kindly request that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this tragic event in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

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

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, said the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the father had lived there for several years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a car with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He seemed like a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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

She commented: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

"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 identified him from the images of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.

"He appeared muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anybody around here," they added.

Had he been previously identified by officials?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he appears anywhere records of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

She responded: "I was very surprised to discover that name myself.

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."