Last year's nudist open day on Holkham Beach

POLICE last night said they were investigating reports of “inappropriate behaviour” at an East Anglian nudist beach, which has sparked an internet campaign for it to be shut down.

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A group has been set up on the Facebook social networking site urging authorities to close the area at Holkham in Norfolk because of the alleged behaviour of some users.

Police have previously agreed to do extra patrols around the beach, which is listed as an “official” bathing area by British Naturism.

After receiving complaints, officers from the Wells Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) previously made the issue of lewd behaviour on the beach its top priority for the next two months.

Yesterday, a Norfolk police spokesman said officers were investigating reports that people had been acting in an “inappropriate manner”.

The beach is owned by Holkham Estate, but is part of the National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England.

One campaigner, who posted a message on the Facebook page, wrote: “The beach used to be a lovely place to go...”

Andrew Welch, of British Naturism, stressed the incidents did not involve “genuine naturists’’.

“This type of thing is rare but we are aware of these reports,’’ he said.

“Most of the time we don’t have any issues at all. When they do arise, we want to stamp them out.

“What I would like to stress is that this does not involve genuine naturists. We abhor that behaviour like everyone else.

“This is not an everyday occurrence and we are working with the authorities to resolve the matter. We don’t think it’s necessary to close the beach.’’