A man has spoken out in defence of his friend who was attacked with racially charged language in Norwich.

Luke Bird, 20, was at home at his flat in William Mear Gardens on Friday evening when he heard shouting outside.

He opened his back door to find a male neighbour yelling explicit racist slurs at Moussa Ibrahim, 42, who also lives nearby.

Moussa Ibrahim (right) said the encounter was shocking and upsettingMoussa Ibrahim (right) said the encounter was shocking and upsetting (Image: Luke Bird)

Mr Bird captured the verbal altercation on camera and sent it to the police which helped lead to the man's arrest. 

But he says the encounter has shaken both himself and Mr Ibrahim.

"I've never seen racism in person and obviously haven't ever experienced it myself so I was just really shocked," Mr Bird said.

"It feels so horrible - especially because he's my friend.

"We stayed up for hours until about 2am talking about it all."

READ MORE: Two women left shaken after being 'shot at' while driving through city

Mr Ibrahim added the encounter left him feeling unsettled.

"This was very upsetting and hurtful," he shared.

"Hearing such bad words made me feel shocked and uncomfortable.

"I thank Luke and the police for their support and hope this helps people understand why we must stand against this behaviour."

A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary confirmed a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of two public order offences on July 12.

He was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and was later released on bail until September 18.