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Information are gradually surfacing regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual reportedly came to the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today issued a statement stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their strength and solace."

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally dress in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his family say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace.

"We kindly request that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not represent the facts.

"May God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery 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 family home. It was searched by police officers on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", 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 indicated the father had resided there for several years but then left the home, subsequently returning in a car with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He added: "I encountered him at least once or twice a week, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"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 anything unusual."

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

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

"He used to change his outfits.

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

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

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

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

"He did not appear to speak to anyone in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been previously identified by officials?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of law enforcement and intelligence agency databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are under way to determine if he is listed anywhere files of other investigations.

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

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

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

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

"Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."