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Information are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual reportedly entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family today released a declaration stating: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this attack and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their strength and comfort."

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

They said he would sometimes dress in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack 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 heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not reflect the facts.

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

What were local residents observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He said the parent had lived there for several years but then left the home, later visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise.

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

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would stand out to make you think he was different."

• Follow live: Two individuals killed in the Manchester incident named

A different resident remembered a baby also living at the address but could not remember noticing a female staying there.

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

"He used to change his outfits.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next jeans and pyjama bottoms."

One more local told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly near our home.

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

"He was quite muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his garage. I noticed them there."

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

Was he previously identified by officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are in progress to determine if he is listed anywhere files of previous probes.

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

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

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 responded: "I was very surprised to discover that name myself.

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his name."