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Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently came to 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 today released a statement stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this attack and convey our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

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

They said he would occasionally appear 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 commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from employing 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 swift recovery of the wounded."

What were neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he said, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies relocated to the area approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later returning in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear modern clothing and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out.

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

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

• Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in the Manchester incident identified

Another neighbour recalled a infant also living at the address but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his clothes.

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

One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the pictures of the suspect. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly near our home.

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

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

"He did not appear to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

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 teaching the English language and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard someone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."