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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 descent.

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

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives today issued a declaration saying: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and express our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and comfort."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his those living nearby.

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

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

"We fully separate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

"We ask that all media outlets honor the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not reflect the truth.

"We hope God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the quick healing of the injured."

What did local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell lives close to 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, explained the dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he remarked, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He said the father had lived there for several years but then departed from the home, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in modern clothing and other times traditional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He continued: "I encountered him at least a couple of times a week, we just said 'greetings'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

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

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A different resident recalled a infant also residing at the address but could not recall seeing a female living there.

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

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"One day he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

One more local told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, holding a shopping bag.

"He was quite bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."

"He never seemed to speak to anybody in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been known to officials?

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

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

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his father 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 presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".

She said: "It was unexpected to discover that designation myself.

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