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

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

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives today issued a declaration saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their strength and solace."

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

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

What has his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

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

"We ask that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from using this tragic event in any manner that does not reflect the truth.

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

What were neighbors observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property was previously on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "a little", saying they were "really nice people".

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

He said the parent had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize benches to exercise.

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

"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."

• Stay updated: Two individuals killed in Manchester synagogue attack named

A different resident remembered a infant also residing at the location but could not recall noticing a woman staying there.

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

"He used to change his outfits.

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

One more local told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him walking around in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a shopping bag.

"He appeared bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody around here," they concluded.

Was he previously identified by officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he appears in any files of other investigations.

It has been mentioned 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 LBC, Ms Mahmood was questioned about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari interpreted as "struggle of the Syrian".

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his identity."