Details continue to emerge regarding the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin.
Al-Shamie apparently came to the UK during his early youth and was granted 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 incident and express our deep shock and grief over what has happened.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones, and we hope for their fortitude and solace."
People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his neighbors.
They said he would occasionally appear in casual attire and at other moments in "cultural" Syrian dress.
What has his family say?
Speaking for the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "The news from Manchester regarding the violent act aimed at a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us.
"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted non-combatant individuals.
"We entirely separate ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we pray for their strength and peace.
"We ask that all media outlets respect the privacy of the family during this extremely challenging time and refrain from employing this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the truth.
"May God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the quick healing of the injured."
What did neighbors observing?
Geoff Haliwell resides 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 cleaning route and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals".
"I was taken aback, I felt stunned," he remarked, adding that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the area about 15 years ago.
He said the parent had lived there for five or six years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a car with license plates from France.
He said Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes wear modern clothing and on other occasions conventional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would use benches to exercise.
He continued: "I would see him no less than a couple of times a weekly, we just exchanged 'hello'.
"I didn't even know his identity.
"He was just a straightforward, regular young man, nothing would be noticeable to make you suspect he was anything unusual."
- Stay updated: Two men killed in Manchester synagogue attack named
Another neighbour recalled a infant also living at the location but could not remember seeing a woman staying there.
She commented: "We often observed him outside in the yard exercising, lifting weights, press ups.
"He frequently altered his clothes.
"On one occasion he would be wearing the full gown, reaching the ground and the following day denim and sleepwear."
Another resident told the a newspaper: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it incorrectly near our home.
"I observed him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, holding a bag from stores.
"He was quite muscular and used to keep his fitness equipment in his car port. I'd see them there."
"He did not appear to talk to anyone around here," they concluded.
Was he previously identified by officials?
Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation.
Further checks are in progress to see if he is listed in any files of previous probes.
There are reports Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in the English language and computer programming, and his parent is a surgeon.
The interior minister Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the name of the assailant.
Commenting on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the attacker'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 called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."
