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Information continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

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

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently issued a declaration stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and express our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones, and we pray for their fortitude and comfort."

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

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us.

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

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their strength and peace.

"We ask that all press organizations respect 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.

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

What did local residents observing?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider family "somewhat", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I was shocked," he said, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street about 15 years ago.

He said the father had resided there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting 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 work out.

He added: "I would see him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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

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

She said: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, push-ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

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

Another resident told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours.

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

"He was quite bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He never seemed to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears in any records of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor teaching the English language and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was questioned about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari interpreted as "struggle of the Syrian".

She responded: "I was very surprised to learn that designation 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 consistently remained his identity."