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Details continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received UK nationality in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today issued a statement stating: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has occurred.

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

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

They said he would sometimes dress in casual attire and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What has his relatives state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the facts.

"May God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he remarked, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street about 15 years ago.

He said the father had lived there for five or six years but then left the home, subsequently returning in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in western clothes and other times traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

He added: "I would see him at least once or twice a weekly, we just said 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He was just a straightforward, ordinary lad, nothing would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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

She said: "We used to see him out in the garden exercising, doing weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the suspect. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly outside ours.

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

"He appeared muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to speak to anyone around here," they concluded.

Had he been known to authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he appears anywhere files of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor educating in the English language and coding, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has consistently remained his name."