Ronald James Aucoin, 38, is considered a high risk to reoffend in a sexual manner. (Halifax Regional Police)

People in the Halifax Regional Municipality are being warned about a high-risk sexual offender who has just been released from prison.

Ronald James Aucoin, 38, was released from a federal penitentiary on Monday, but Halifax Regional Police said they only learned of his release late last week.

Police said Aucoin has a history of sexual offences against children and has been assessed as a "high risk to reoffend in a sexual manner."

As part of his mandatory release, Aucoin has been ordered to stay away from children under the age of 16.

"In this specific case children were the victims. We want to put these warnings out for our citizens to be aware of Mr. Aucoin, or any other offender released, so they can be cognizant that a release has happened and if Mr. Aucoin is seen around children to call the police immediately," said Halifax police Const. Pierre Bourdages.

News of his release has sparked public outcry. On the Halifax police Facebook page dozens of people are calling for Aucoin to be exiled, locked up for life, or worse.

"Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct will not be tolerated," said Bourdages in a release.

He's described as a white male, five feet six inches tall, approximately 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.