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

Al-Shamie reportedly came to the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently issued a statement saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has occurred.

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

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

They said he would sometimes appear in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What has his relatives say?

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

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the truth.

"We hope God shows compassion on the innocent victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of the injured."

What were neighbors say?

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

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

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

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently returning in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He added: "I encountered him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his name.

"He was just a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

• Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack identified

A different resident remembered a baby also living at the address but could not remember noticing a female staying there.

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, to the floor and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to speak to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Was he previously identified by authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

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

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

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

Commenting on LBC, 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 learn that designation 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."