Synagogue attacker's family in 'profound shock' as they condemn 'heinous act' in Facebook post

THE family of the terrorist who attacked people at a synagogue have expressed their “deep shock and sorrow” and said they strongly condemn the “heinous act”.

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Jihad Al-Shamie entered the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around the age of 16.

It is understood the 35-year-old’s name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service records, and he is not thought to have been under investigation.

In a post on Facebook apparently from the attacker's family, relatives said: “The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting 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 peaceful, innocent civilians.

“We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort.