Information are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent.
The individual reportedly came to the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16.
He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently released a declaration saying: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident and convey our profound dismay and grief over what has happened.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and comfort."
People in Prestwich portrayed 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 garments.
What did his family say?
Speaking for the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a deeply disturbing event to us.
"Our family everywhere vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians.
"We fully separate ourselves from this attack and express our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has transpired. Our condolences and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and comfort.
"We ask that all press organizations honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not represent the facts.
"May God have mercy on the innocent victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded."
What were neighbors observing?
Geoff Haliwell resides near a residence 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, explained the property was previously on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people".
"I was astonished, I was shocked," he remarked, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street approximately 15 years ago.
He said the father had lived there for several years but then departed from the home, subsequently visiting in a car with license plates from France.
He said Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and other times conventional Syrian attire. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out.
He added: "I encountered him no less than once or twice a weekly, 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 different."
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A different resident remembered a baby also residing at the address but could not recall noticing a woman living there.
She said: "We used to see him out in the garden exercising, lifting weights, push-ups.
"He frequently altered his outfits.
"On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, to the floor and the following day denim and sleepwear."
One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his small vehicle, the Kia, because he'd consistently park it incorrectly near our home.
"I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and slip-on sandals, holding a bag from stores.
"He appeared bulked-up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there."
"He did not appear to talk to anybody around here," they concluded.
Was he previously identified by authorities?
The individual's identity has not been found in initial searches of police and security service databases, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny.
Further checks are under way to determine if he appears in any records of other investigations.
It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a instructor teaching the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name.
Speaking on a radio station, Ms Mahmood was questioned about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which host Nick Ferrari translated as "conflict related to Syria".
She said: "It was unexpected to discover that name myself.
"Actually, as a follower of Islam, I've never heard anyone being named Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."
