Who became the Manchester synagogue assailant?

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

Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and received UK nationality in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his relatives recently released a declaration stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has occurred.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort."

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

They said he would occasionally appear in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian garments.

What did his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their strength and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.

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

What were neighbors say?

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

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "a little", noting they were "really nice people".

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

He indicated the father had resided there for several years but then left the home, later returning in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in western clothes and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to exercise.

He added: "I would see him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual."

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A different resident recalled a infant also residing at the location but could not recall seeing a female staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his outfits.

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

Another resident told the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly outside ours.

"I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and casual footwear, holding a shopping bag.

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

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

Had he been known to authorities?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.

Further checks are under way to determine if he appears in any files of other investigations.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor teaching the English language and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."