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Details are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

Al-Shamie apparently entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently released a declaration saying: "We completely dissociate 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 hope for their fortitude and comfort."

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely interacted with his neighbors.

It was mentioned he would sometimes appear in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning 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 non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sorrow over what has transpired. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

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

"May God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What were local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he thought 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 home, later visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

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

He added: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just said 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

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

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

Another neighbour remembered a infant also residing at the address but could not remember seeing a woman living there.

She commented: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, doing weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next jeans and sleepwear."

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

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

"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Was he known to officials?

The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of law enforcement and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are in progress to see if he is listed in any records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor teaching English and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

Speaking on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari interpreted as "conflict related to Syria".

She responded: "It was unexpected to learn that designation myself.

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