🔗 Share this article

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

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

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family today issued a declaration saying: "We fully dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has occurred.

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

Residents in Prestwich portrayed Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his neighbors.

They said he would sometimes appear in western clothes and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives state?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a Jewish synagogue 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 express our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, 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 abstain from employing this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the truth.

"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we hope for the quick healing of the wounded."

What did local residents observing?

Geoff Haliwell resides close to a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was searched 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 wider family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, mentioning that he thought 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 residence, subsequently returning in a car with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize benches to work out.

He continued: "I would see him at least a couple of times a week, we just said 'hello'.

"I was unaware of his identity.

"He was just a ordinary, regular young man, nothing would stand out to make you suspect he was different."

• Stay updated: Two men fatally injured in the Manchester incident identified

A different resident recalled a infant also residing at the location but could not remember noticing a woman living there.

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

"He used to change his clothes.

"One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear."

Another resident informed the a newspaper: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.

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

"He was quite muscular and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there."

"He never seemed to speak to anyone around here," they added.

Was he previously identified by authorities?

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

Additional inquiries are under way to determine if he appears anywhere records of previous probes.

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

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

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

She responded: "I was very surprised to discover that designation myself.

"In fact, as a Muslim, I've never heard someone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."