What person was the city of Manchester synagogue assailant?

Details continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin.

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

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives today released a statement stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

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

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally dress in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his relatives say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

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

"We fully separate ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

"We ask that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the facts.

"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell resides near a residence 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 dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people".

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

He indicated the parent had lived there for several years but then left the home, subsequently returning in a car with license plates from France.

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

He added: "I would see him at least a couple of times a week, we just said 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

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

• Stay updated: Two men fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack named

A different resident recalled a baby also living at the location but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

She commented: "We often observed him out in the garden exercising, lifting weights, press ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

"One day he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day denim and sleepwear."

One more local informed the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it badly outside ours.

"I observed him strolling 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 in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of police 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 records of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to discover that name 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 consistently remained his identity."