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Details are gradually surfacing regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-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 resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently released a declaration stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and solace."

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

They said he would occasionally dress in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their resilience and comfort.

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

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

What did neighbors observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the area about 15 years ago.

He said the parent had resided there for five or six years but then left the home, later visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.

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

He continued: "I would see him no less than once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his name.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you think 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 female living there.

She commented: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

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

Another resident informed the a newspaper: "I identified him from the pictures of the suspect. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

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

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

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

Was he previously identified by authorities?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor educating in the English language and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

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

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his identity."