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Details continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

Al-Shamie reportedly came to the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives today issued a statement stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and we hope for their strength and comfort."

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his neighbors.

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in western clothes and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What did his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured 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 tragic event in any manner that does not reflect the facts.

"We hope God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What did local residents 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 raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the wider family "a little", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

He said the father had lived there for several years but then left the home, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

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

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

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He seemed like a straightforward, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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A different resident remembered a infant also living at the location but could not remember noticing a woman living there.

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

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, to the floor and the next jeans and sleepwear."

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I'd see him walking around in his pyjamas and casual footwear, holding 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 talk to anyone in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been known to officials?

The individual's identity has not been found in initial searches of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are in progress to see if he is listed in any files of other investigations.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in English and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

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

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

"Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered someone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."