OWNERS of an audio visual store in Ealing say they were shocked by claims by chart-topping rapper Professor Green that he was ignored when he visited their store.

The platinum-selling British artist tweeted shortly after walking out of Bang & Olufsen of Ealing saying staff did not talk to him because of his tattoos.

Last Wednesday, he said: “Bang & Olufsen Ealing shouldn’t be so dismissive of people with tattoos, not even a ‘hello’ or ‘is there anything I can help you with’.”

But owners Stuart and Helen Melville, who run the shop in Bond Street, said this is not true.

They tweeted Professor Green back disputing his claim. He replied “If we did just not hear you, then I’m sorry for calling you a gimp. Only you know the truth. #whisperingsalesman.”

Mr Melville said: “As you may have read in our tweet back to Professor Green I acknowledged him and his two friends. I said ‘hi guys’ as soon as they walked through the door.

“We’re very upset by comments made by some Twitter users following this tweet which have been aimed at us personally and our business yet also pleased to read messages of support from other tweeps.”

He said they won National Bang & Olufsen dealer of the year in 2009 largely based on their customer service.

He added: “We welcome everyone who comes into our store with a friendly acknowledgement, always within 30 seconds, and then we allow them to browse our stunning products and then offer our assistance with any questions they may have.

“A great deal of research has been carried out on meeting and greeting our clients, ensuring we offer the highest level of customer service.”

Professor Green’s visit prompted a raft of tweets from fans. Most were simply shocked he had come to the borough and were disappointed they had missed one of their favourite artists.

@Francesca Fearis summed up many people’s reactions when she tweeted: “Ahh @professorgreen in Ealing! Just made my heart skip a beat ha!”

While others suggested he visited their favourite restaurants, including Santa Maria Pizzeria in Saint Mary’s Road and Pizza on the Green in Haven Green.