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Details are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives today issued a declaration saying: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our profound dismay and grief over what has occurred.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and comfort."

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

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

What has his family state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family 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 profound shock to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all media outlets honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.

"We hope God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the dwelling used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the wider family "a little", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he said, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the area about 15 years ago.

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

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.

He continued: "I would see him no less than once or twice a week, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

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

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

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

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

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

"I observed him walking around in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his fitness equipment in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anyone around here," they concluded.

Had he been known to authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in initial searches of law enforcement and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are in progress to determine if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and coding, and his parent is a medical doctor.

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

Commenting on a radio station, 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 discover that designation myself.

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