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

Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently released a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief 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.

They said he would sometimes appear in casual attire and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

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

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish for their strength and comfort.

"We ask that all press organizations respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

"May God shows compassion on the innocent victims, 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 thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I was shocked," he remarked, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He said the father had resided there for five or six years but then departed from the home, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

He added: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a week, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour remembered a baby also living at the location but could not recall seeing a female living there.

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

"He used to change his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, to the floor and the following day jeans and pyjama bottoms."

One more local told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly outside ours.

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

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anyone around here," they concluded.

Had he been known to officials?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he is listed in any records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor teaching the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard someone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."