🔗 Share this article

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

The individual reportedly 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 relatives recently released a statement stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and sorrow over what has happened.

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

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his those living nearby.

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

What did his relatives say?

On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "Reports from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely separate ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sadness over what has happened. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.

"We kindly request that all media outlets honor the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not represent the truth.

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

What did neighbors 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, said the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "a little", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I was shocked," he remarked, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the street about 15 years ago.

He said the father had resided there for several years but then left the home, subsequently returning in a car with French number plates.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian attire. He also said Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his name.

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

• Follow live: Two individuals fatally injured in the Manchester incident identified

Another neighbour remembered a baby also residing at the location but could not remember seeing a female living there.

She commented: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, doing weights, press ups.

"He used to change his clothes.

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

Another resident informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the suspect. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.

"I'd see him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a shopping bag.

"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his fitness equipment in his garage. I noticed them there."

"He did not appear to speak to anyone in this vicinity," they concluded.

Had he been known to authorities?

Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Further checks are in progress to see if he is listed in any records of other investigations.

There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor educating in English and computer programming, and his father is a medical doctor.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.

Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".

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

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