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

Al-Shamie reportedly came to the UK during his early youth and was granted UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family today issued a declaration stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and solace."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally dress in casual attire and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What did his family say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the violent act targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their resilience and comfort.

"We ask that all press organizations respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not reflect the truth.

"We hope God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured."

What did neighbors observing?

Geoff Haliwell lives close to a residence 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 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, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the area about 15 years ago.

He indicated the father had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.

He added: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a week, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

• Follow live: Two individuals fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack identified

A different resident remembered a infant also residing at the location but could not remember seeing a female living there.

She commented: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, press ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

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 badly outside ours.

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

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anybody in this vicinity," they concluded.

Was he previously identified by 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 thought to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are under way to determine if he is listed in any files of other investigations.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor teaching English and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."