A prisoner with a "history of violence" was back in custody Saturday after being accidentally released from a Nova Scotia jail, police said.

Eliahs Knudsen Kent, 22, was being held at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth while awaiting a court appearance next week to face charges of attempted murder, attempted robbery, robbery, using a firearm during a crime and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police issued a notice around noon Friday asking the public to be on the lookout for Kent but warned citizens not to approach the man.

A little more than 24 hours later police advised that Kent had been taken back into custody in the Halifax area around 2 p.m. He attempted to flee but was apprehended after a short foot chase, police said.

The department of justice said an internal investigation is underway into how Kent was released.