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Details continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

The individual reportedly came to the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives today released a statement stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

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

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

What has his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims 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 tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.

"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell lives near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

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

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear western clothes and other times conventional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He added: "I would see him no less than once or twice a weekly, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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A different resident recalled a baby also living at the address but could not remember noticing a female staying there.

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard 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 denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I identified 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 slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."

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

Was he known to authorities?

Al-Shamie's name 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.

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

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor educating in the English language and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to discover that name myself.

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."