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Details are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

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

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently issued a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their fortitude and comfort."

People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his those living nearby.

It was mentioned he would occasionally dress in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at 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 non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. 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 respect the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the facts.

"We hope God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the quick healing of the injured."

What were neighbors say?

Geoff Haliwell lives close to a house 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, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

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

He said the father had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

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

He continued: "I would see him at least once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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

Another neighbour recalled a baby also living at the location but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

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

"He used to change his clothes.

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

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He appeared muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in initial searches of law enforcement and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are under way to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor educating in English and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

Commenting on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".

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

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