Who was the city of Manchester synagogue assailant?

Details continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.

The individual apparently came to the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently released a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

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

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently engaged with his neighbors.

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

What did his family state?

On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

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

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their resilience and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and refrain from employing this sad occurrence in any manner that does not represent the truth.

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

What were neighbors say?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by law enforcement on Thursday.

Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the wider 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 relocated to the area about 15 years ago.

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

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him at least a couple of times a weekly, we just exchanged 'hello'.

"I didn't even know his name.

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

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Another neighbour recalled a baby also residing at the location but could not recall seeing a woman staying there.

She said: "We often observed him out in the garden working out, doing weights, push-ups.

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the next denim and pyjama bottoms."

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

"I observed him walking around in his sleepwear and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag.

"He appeared muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I noticed them there."

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

Had he been previously identified by officials?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency databases, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he is listed anywhere files of other investigations.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor educating in the English language and coding, and his father is a medical doctor.

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the attacker's name.

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

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

"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has consistently remained his identity."