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Information continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently entered the UK during his early youth and was granted UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently released a declaration stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their strength and solace."

Residents 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 other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express 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 resilience and comfort.

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

"May God shows compassion on the innocent victims, 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 thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with 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 relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

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

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

• Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack identified

Another neighbour recalled a baby also living at the location but could not remember seeing a female staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next denim and sleepwear."

Another resident told 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 incorrectly outside ours.

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

"He was quite 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 added.

Was he known to officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears in any files of other investigations.

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

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.

Speaking on a radio station, 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 name myself.

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."