Who was the Manchester Jewish house of worship assailant?

Information continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.

Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives today released a declaration stating: "We fully distance ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and sorrow over what has occurred.

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

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

They said he would occasionally dress in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian garments.

What has his family state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a deeply disturbing event to us.

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.

"We fully 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 strength and comfort.

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

"We hope God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the swift recovery of the wounded."

What did local residents say?

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 was previously on his cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".

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

He indicated the father had lived there for several years but then departed from the residence, subsequently visiting in a car with license plates from France.

He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.

He added: "I encountered him at least a couple of times a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you suspect he was different."

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Another neighbour recalled a infant also living at the location but could not remember noticing a woman staying there.

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

"He frequently altered his clothes.

"One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear."

Another resident told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him strolling in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

"He was quite bulked-up and often stored his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."

"He never seemed to speak to anybody in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been previously identified by officials?

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

Further checks are under way to see if he is listed in any files of previous probes.

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

The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.

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

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

"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has always been his identity."