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Information are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

The individual reportedly came to the UK during his early youth and was granted British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

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

"Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

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

They said he would occasionally appear in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What did his family say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"Our family everywhere strongly condemns this heinous act, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and sentiments are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their strength and comfort.

"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.

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

What were local residents say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

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

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

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in modern clothing and other times traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He added: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a straightforward, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

• Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in the Manchester incident identified

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

She said: "We often observed him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

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

Another resident informed the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him strolling in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a shopping bag.

"He appeared bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been known to authorities?

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

Further checks are in progress to see if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor educating in English and coding, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

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

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