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Information are gradually surfacing regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

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

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently issued a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

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

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

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

What has his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We kindly request that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the facts.

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

What were neighbors observing?

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

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

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

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

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out.

He added: "I encountered him at least a couple of times a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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Another neighbour remembered a infant also living at the address but could not remember noticing a female living there.

She commented: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

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

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours.

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

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

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

Had he been known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

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

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in the English language and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

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

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

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

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."