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

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

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

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

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

It was mentioned he would occasionally dress in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family 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 heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their strength and comfort.

"We kindly request that all press organizations honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this tragic event 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 observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a house 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 was previously on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street about 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the home, later returning in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also noted 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 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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A different resident recalled a baby also living at the address but could not recall seeing a female living there.

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours.

"I'd see him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anybody around here," they added.

Was he known to officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

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

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor educating in the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

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

She responded: "I was very surprised to discover that designation myself.

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard someone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his identity."