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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 descent.

Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently issued a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort."

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

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not reflect the facts.

"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then left the home, later returning in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his name.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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A different resident remembered a baby also living at the location but could not remember seeing a woman living there.

She said: "We used to see him out in the garden exercising, doing weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

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

"I'd see him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a bag from stores.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he is listed anywhere files of previous probes.

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

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

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

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

"Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."