Shocking footage has emerged of a violent racial attack on a packed city train - as one passenger hurls vile abuse at an African man before throwing him onto the ground.

The video was captured by a terrified passenger in Adelaide - who watched the attack unfold just metres away and in full view of frightened young children and their parents.

The shirtless attacker, who claimed to be an Aboriginal man, screamed at the African teenager before assaulting him.

A man has been caught on camera attacking a teenager on a train in Adelaide on Monday

A witness said the shirtless man had taken offence to something said by his victim.

'You want to f*** with me?' he screamed.

Before forcing the young African man to repeat him as he screamed insults just inches from his face.

'You say it, say it, you say I love Aboriginal people. This is our land,' he screamed.

'Don't ever disrespect my aboriginal people again.

'The Aboriginal's own this land and I will kill you.'

The 4pm attack took place on Monday - one witness told 7 News she was left 'shaken' and speechless by what she saw.

She said it was 'confronting' and 'disturbing' to see the violent abuse on public transport during the afternoon.

The man screamed at the teenager and told him to respect Aboriginal people

The violent attack happened in front of terrified passengers - as well as children

She also admitted to being afraid the tormentor would turn on other passengers of that he would seriously hurt his young victim.

The shirtless man punch the train's security camera before he got off at his stop.

Police are investigating - there have not been any complaints made to Adelaide Metro.