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Information continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-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 Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today released a statement saying: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we hope 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 dress in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What did his family state?

Speaking for 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 in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their resilience and peace.

"We ask 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 truth.

"May God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the quick healing of the injured."

What did neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the wider family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

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

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

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear modern clothing and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his name.

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

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Another neighbour recalled a infant also residing at the address but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

She commented: "We used to see him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

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

"I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying 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 around here," they concluded.

Had he been previously identified by officials?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he is listed anywhere files of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching English and coding, and his father is a surgeon.

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

Speaking on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was questioned about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari interpreted as "conflict related to Syria".

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

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