This is the moment a gunman shoots an ex-convict on the day of his release while celebrating with family members and several young children.

The incident took place in the town of Santa Elena in the western Ecuadorian province of the same name at around 8pm on 6th October, resulting in the death of Braulio Manuel Macias Saltos, 37.

Meanwhile, three of his companions were injured in the attack and were transferred to hospital in Santa Elena where they are recovering, according to the media site Publinews.

Macias Saltos had reportedly spent seven months in Litoral Penitentiary in the city of Guayaquil for kidnapping and extortion, and was released earlier that day.

While celebrating his release with family members, two men arrived at the house on a motorbike and one approached the group and opened fire, according to Publinews.

As seen in the footage, the attack took place in front of several children playing in the background.

The gunman reportedly got on the back of the waiting motorbike and the two suspects fled the scene.

Macias Saltos was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries in the early hours of 7th October.

According to the local authorities, he received four bullet wounds in the chest and abdomen.

The police suspect that his killing was a settling of accounts related to his past involvement with criminal gangs.

The investigation is ongoing.