🔗 Share this article Who was the Manchester Jewish house of worship assailant? The suspect rarely conversed with his local residents, a local said. Details are gradually surfacing about the life of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian origin. Al-Shamie reportedly entered the UK during his early youth and received British citizenship in 2006, when he was around the age of 16. He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives recently released a statement stating: "We completely distance ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. "Our hearts and prayers are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and solace." People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who rarely engaged with his neighbors. It was mentioned he would occasionally appear in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian garments. What has his relatives state? On behalf the Al-Shamie family both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning 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 atrocious deed, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians. "We fully separate ourselves from this assault and communicate our deep shock and sadness over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the injured and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace. "We ask that all media outlets honor the family's privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this sad occurrence 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 injured." Memorials have been placed near the location of the attack. What were neighbors say? Geoff Haliwell lives near a house in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was raided by police officers on Thursday. Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", saying they were "pleasant individuals". "I was taken aback, I was shocked," he remarked, mentioning that he thought the Al-Shamies moved to the street about 15 years ago. He indicated the parent had lived there for five or six years but then left the residence, subsequently returning in a vehicle with French number plates. He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would sometimes be seen in modern clothing and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would use public seats to work out. He added: "I would see him at least once or twice a week, we just said 'greetings'. "I didn't even know his identity. "He was just a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you suspect he was anything unusual." Stay updated: Two individuals killed in the Manchester incident identified Another neighbour recalled a baby also living at the location but could not remember noticing a female staying there. She commented: "We often observed him outside in the yard working out, lifting weights, press ups. "He frequently altered his clothes. "One day he would be wearing the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the next jeans and sleepwear." Another resident informed the a newspaper: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours. "I'd see him strolling in his pyjamas and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag. "He was quite muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there." "He never seemed to talk to anybody around here," they concluded. Was he previously identified by authorities? The individual's identity has not been found in preliminary checks of police and intelligence agency counter-terrorism records, and he is not believed to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny. Additional inquiries are in progress to see if he appears in any records of other investigations. It has been mentioned Al-Shamie was previously employed as a tutor educating in English and coding, and his father is a surgeon. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "surprised" by the attacker's name. Speaking on LBC, Ms Mahmood was asked about the individual's name, Jihad Al-Shamie, which presenter Nick Ferrari interpreted as "struggle of the Syrian". She responded: "I was very surprised to learn that name myself. "Actually, as a Muslim, I've never heard anyone being called Jihad, but it is the name that he was given at birth - that has always been his name."