Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, understood to be a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16.
He lived in the Manchester area of Prestwich, and his family recently issued a declaration stating: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and convey our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.
"Our sympathies and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their fortitude and solace."
Residents in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who infrequently interacted with his those living nearby.
It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in western clothes and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.
What did his family state?
On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
"The Al-Shamie family everywhere vehemently denounces this atrocious deed, which targeted non-combatant individuals.
"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we pray for their strength and peace.
"We kindly request that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and abstain from using this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.
"We hope God shows compassion on the innocent victims, and we hope for the quick healing of the injured."
What were neighbors observing?
Geoff Haliwell lives close to a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was raided by police officers on Thursday.
Mr Haliwell, 72, said the property was previously on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the wider family "a little", noting they were "pleasant individuals".
"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.
He indicated the parent had lived there for several years but then left the home, later visiting in a vehicle with French number plates.
He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.
He added: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just exchanged 'hello'.
"I didn't even know his identity.
"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, 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 seeing a woman living there.
She said: "We used to see him out in the garden working out, lifting weights, press ups.
"He frequently altered his outfits.
"One day he would be wearing the full gown, to the floor and the next denim and sleepwear."
One more local told the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the images of the attacker. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours.
"I'd see him walking around in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a shopping bag.
"He appeared muscular and often stored his exercise weights in his car port. I'd see them there."
"He never seemed to talk to anyone around here," they added.
Was he previously identified by officials?
Al-Shamie's name has not been found in preliminary checks of law enforcement and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.
Additional inquiries are under way to see if he is listed anywhere files of other investigations.
It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor teaching English and coding, and his parent is a surgeon.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "taken aback" by the name of the assailant.
Speaking on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari translated as "struggle of the Syrian".
She said: "It was unexpected to learn that name myself.
"In fact, as a follower of Islam, I have not encountered someone being named Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his identity."
