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

Al-Shamie reportedly entered 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 fully distance ourselves from this attack and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his those living nearby.

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

What has his relatives say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and refrain from employing 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 quick healing of the injured."

What did neighbors observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the wider family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the father had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the home, later visiting in a car with French number plates.

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

He added: "I would see him at least a couple of times a week, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He was just a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was different."

• Stay updated: Two men fatally injured in the Manchester incident identified

A different resident remembered a infant also residing at the address but could not remember seeing a female living there.

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

"He used to change his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been previously identified by officials?

The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are under way to determine if he appears in any records of previous probes.

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

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

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

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 born with - that has consistently remained his name."