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Details are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently released a statement stating: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident and convey our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and comfort."

People in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his those living nearby.

They said he would sometimes appear in western clothes and other times in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What did his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

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

"We hope God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the swift recovery of the injured."

What did local residents observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property was previously on his window-cleaning round and he knew the wider family "a little", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the area approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had resided 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 at times wear modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He continued: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his name.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you think he was anything unusual."

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

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

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be wearing the full gown, to the floor and the following day denim and pyjama bottoms."

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

"I observed him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his exercise weights in his garage. I'd see them there."

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

Was he known to authorities?

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

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he is listed in any files of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor educating in English and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

Commenting on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."