Mark Blenkiron, who runs Dirt in Magdalen Street, has shut his doors for good as he said he fears for his safety.

He said: "We are closing for good. It was getting nasty and could be really bad for staff.

Dirt has closed (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"It got so ridiculous after a post I should not have done."

He added: "Norwich has lost something wonderful.

"It was the best shop in the East of England.

"I am worried about safety.

"I will not be opening again in Norwich."

Mark Blenkiron, owner of Dirt on Magdalen Street (Image: Newsquest)

The 62-year-old sparked outrage after publishing a picture of an allegedly young woman's behind on his Facebook page.

He had captioned the a picture "greetings from Norwich Market, have a fab weekend".

The identity and age of the woman is not known but it is believed she is young.

Mr Blenkiron defended his actions as being a joke.

The business had owner had previously posted on social media: "Seems I caused a little ripple again, with a frivolous post" joking that the girl was in fact his friend "Bernard, a 54 year old from Wigan".

He also posted: "Seems that someone who has obviously had a humour bypass (anonymously and cowardly) has blackened my otherwise pristine and faultless reputation and called me a sexual predator."

Mr Blenkiron has since apologised for his behaviour adding the post was intended as a joke.

He said: "Last Saturday I was sitting near the market and this girl was staring at one of the market stalls.

"I took a photo, you cannot see her face. I wanted to give people a laugh. It was a fuss over nothing.

"It was intended as a joke. I thought it was just banter.

"My humour is edgy. I have a flawless past.

"It was not predatory but it was impulsive and immature.

"I have apologised and that should be the end of it.

"I have learned from it and it will never happen again."

Mr Blenkiron had previously said he was considering moving his shop away from Magdalen Street due to a fall in shoppers he said had been caused by the demolition of Anglia Square.

© Eastern Daily Press