Who was the city of Manchester synagogue assailant?

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

The individual apparently entered 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 family recently issued a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and convey our deep shock and grief over what has happened.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the those affected and their families, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."

Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely interacted with his neighbors.

They said he would occasionally dress in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What has his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which affected non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this attack and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their resilience and peace.

"We ask that all press organizations honor the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and abstain from using this tragic event in any manner that does not reflect the facts.

"We hope God shows compassion on the innocent victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of the injured."

What did neighbors observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides near 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 dwelling used to be on his cleaning route and he knew the extended family "a little", saying they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.

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

"I didn't even know his name.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you think he was different."

• Follow live: Two men fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack named

A different resident remembered a infant also living at the address but could not recall seeing a woman living there.

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

"He used to change his outfits.

"On one occasion he would be wearing the full gown, to the floor and the following day jeans and pyjama bottoms."

Another resident 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 badly near our home.

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a bag from stores.

"He appeared muscular and often stored his fitness equipment in his car port. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to talk to anybody around here," they added.

Was he previously identified by officials?

The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are in progress to determine if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.

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

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

She responded: "I was very surprised to learn that name myself.

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was born with - that has always been his identity."