🔗 Share this article

Details continue to emerge regarding the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.

The individual apparently came to the UK during his early youth and was granted British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.

He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently issued a declaration saying: "We completely distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and grief over what has occurred.

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

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

It was mentioned he would sometimes dress in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian dress.

What did his relatives say?

Speaking for the Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.

"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.

"We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their resilience and peace.

"We kindly request that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and abstain from employing this tragic event in any manner that does not represent the truth.

"May God have mercy on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the quick healing of the wounded."

What were local residents say?

Geoff Haliwell lives near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought 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 knew the wider family "a little", saying they were "really nice people".

"I was astonished, I felt stunned," he said, adding that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street about 15 years ago.

He said the father had lived there for several years but then left the residence, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with license plates from France.

He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to work out.

He continued: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a week, we just exchanged 'greetings'.

"I was unaware of his name.

"He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, nothing would stand out to make you think he was anything unusual."

• Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack identified

A different resident recalled a infant also living at the address but could not recall seeing a female staying there.

She commented: "We used to see him outside in the yard working out, doing weights, press ups.

"He used to change his outfits.

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

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

"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a bag from stores.

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

"He did not appear to talk to anyone in this vicinity," they added.

Had he been previously identified by authorities?

The individual's identity has not appeared in initial searches of law enforcement and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.

Additional inquiries are under way to determine if he is listed in any files of previous probes.

There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor educating in the English language and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon.

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

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

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

"In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered someone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his identity."