🔗 Share this article Who was the city of Manchester Jewish house of worship assailant? The suspect rarely conversed with his neighbors, a local mentioned. Details continue to emerge about the background of Jihad Al-Shamie, known to be a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian origin. The individual apparently entered the UK as a young child and received British citizenship in 2006, at approximately the age of 16. He resided in Prestwich, Manchester, and his family recently released a statement saying: "We completely dissociate ourselves from this attack and express our profound dismay and grief over what has occurred. "Our sympathies and thoughts are with the those affected and their loved ones, and we pray for their strength and comfort." People in Prestwich described Al-Shamie as a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely interacted with his those living nearby. They said he would occasionally appear in casual attire and other times in "cultural" Syrian dress. What has his family state? On behalf the Al-Shamie household both domestically and internationally, Faraj Al-Shamie said: "Reports from Manchester concerning the terrorist attack targeting a place of Jewish worship has been a profound shock to us. "The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad vehemently denounces this heinous act, which affected peaceful, innocent civilians. "We entirely distance ourselves from this assault and communicate our intense astonishment and sorrow over what has transpired. Our condolences and sentiments are with the injured and their families, and we pray for their strength and peace. "We ask that all press organizations respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time and refrain from using this sad occurrence in any context that does not represent the truth. "We hope God shows compassion on the blameless individuals, and we hope for the quick healing of the injured." Memorials have been left near the scene of the attack. What did neighbors observing? Geoff Haliwell resides close to a residence in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, that is believed to be the Al-Shamie family home. It was searched by police officers on Thursday. Mr Haliwell, 72, explained the property was previously on his window-cleaning round and he knew the extended family "somewhat", noting they were "pleasant individuals". "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 resided there for several years but then departed from the home, subsequently visiting in a vehicle with French number plates. He observed Jihad Al-Shamie would at times be seen in western clothes and other times conventional Syrian dress. He also noted Al-Shamie would utilize public seats to work out. He added: "I encountered him no less than a couple of times a week, we just said 'greetings'. "I was unaware of his identity. "He seemed like a ordinary, regular young man, no indication would stand out to make you think he was anything unusual." Follow live: Two individuals killed in Manchester synagogue attack identified A different resident remembered a baby also living at the address but could not recall noticing a woman staying there. She said: "We used to see him out in the garden working out, doing weights, press ups. "He frequently altered his outfits. "One day he would be dressed in the full gown, reaching the ground and the next denim and sleepwear." One more local informed the Daily Telegraph: "I identified him from the images of the attacker. I noticed his little car, the Kia, because he'd always park it badly outside ours. "I observed him strolling in his sleepwear and casual footwear, carrying a shopping bag. "He appeared bulked-up and often stored his fitness equipment in his garage. I'd see them there." "He did not appear to talk to anybody around here," they added. Had he been previously identified by authorities? Al-Shamie's name has not appeared in preliminary checks of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been subject to ongoing scrutiny. Further checks are under way to see if he appears anywhere files of previous probes. It has been mentioned Al-Shamie used to work as a instructor teaching English and computer programming, and his father is a surgeon. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "taken aback" 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 designation myself. "Actually, as a Muslim, I have not encountered anyone being called Jihad, but it is the title that he was born with - that has always been his identity."