🔗 Share this article Who became the Manchester Jewish house of worship attacker? Jihad Al-Shamie rarely conversed with his local residents, a local said. Details are gradually surfacing about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent. The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16. He lived in Prestwich, Manchester, and his relatives today issued a declaration stating: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this incident and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened. "Our sympathies and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we hope for their strength and comfort." People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a fitness devotee who infrequently interacted with his neighbors. They said he would occasionally dress in casual attire and at other moments in "traditional" Syrian garments. What has his relatives state? On behalf the Al-Shamie household in the UK and abroad, Faraj Al-Shamie commented: "The news from Manchester concerning the violent act targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us. "The Al-Shamie family everywhere strongly condemns this atrocious deed, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians. "We fully separate ourselves from this attack and communicate our deep shock and sorrow over what has transpired. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their kin, and we wish for their resilience and peace. "We ask that all media outlets respect the family's privacy during this extremely challenging time and refrain from employing this sad occurrence in any manner that does not reflect the facts. "We hope God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded." Tributes have been left close to the location of the attack. What did neighbors say? Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is thought to be the Al-Shamie home of the family. It was searched by police officers on Thursday. Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the dwelling used to be on his window-cleaning round and he was acquainted with the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "really nice people". "I was taken aback, I was shocked," he remarked, mentioning that he believed the Al-Shamies relocated to the area approximately 15 years ago. He indicated the parent had resided there for several years but then departed from the residence, later visiting in a vehicle with French number plates. He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times wear western clothes and on other occasions traditional Syrian dress. He also said Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to exercise. He continued: "I encountered him at least once or twice a weekly, we just said 'hello'. "I was unaware of his name. "He seemed like a ordinary, ordinary lad, no indication would be noticeable to make you think he was anything unusual." Stay updated: Two individuals fatally injured in Manchester synagogue attack identified A different resident remembered a infant also living at the location but could not recall seeing a female living there. She commented: "We used to see him out in the garden working out, doing weights, press ups. "He used to change his outfits. "On one occasion he would be dressed in the full-length robe, reaching the ground and the following day jeans and sleepwear." One more local 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 near our home. "I observed him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag. "He appeared muscular and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I noticed them there." "He did not appear to speak to anybody around here," they concluded. Had he been known to officials? The individual's identity has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and security service databases, and he is not believed to have been under current investigation. Further checks are in progress to determine if he appears in any records of other investigations. There are reports Al-Shamie used to work as a tutor educating in the English language and computer programming, and his father is a medical doctor. The interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated she was "surprised" 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 responded: "It was unexpected to discover that designation myself. "In fact, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was given at birth - that has consistently remained his name."