Who was the city of Manchester synagogue assailant?

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

Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives today issued a statement saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has occurred.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

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

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

What did his relatives say?

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

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their families, and we pray for their resilience and comfort.

"We ask that all press organizations honor the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth.

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

What were local residents observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

"I was taken aback, I was shocked," he said, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then left the home, subsequently visiting in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out.

He continued: "I would see him at least once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He was just a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual."

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

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

"He used to change his clothes.

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

One more local told the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the suspect. I noticed his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I'd see him strolling in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.

"He was quite muscular and often stored his exercise weights in his car port. I noticed them there."

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

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are under way to determine if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

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

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

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

She responded: "It was unexpected to learn that designation myself.

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