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Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-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 lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently released a declaration stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

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

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

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

What has his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

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

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and sentiments are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their resilience and peace.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the facts.

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

What were local residents say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the dwelling 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 thought the Al-Shamies relocated to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had lived there for several years but then left the home, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He continued: "I would see him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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

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

"He used to change his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and sleepwear."

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a bag from stores.

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

"He never seemed to speak to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Was he previously identified by officials?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are under way to see if he is listed in any files of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

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

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

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

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has always been his identity."