An Israeli skin care shop has had red paint thrown across its windows in a suspected targeted attack.

The Ahava store – famous for its Dead Sea products – was covered in the paint during the incident in Covent Garden, central London, on Wednesday night.

Staff discovered the damage when they arrived for work on Thursday morning.

Shop assistant Rita Trindad said: “We don’t know exactly what happened. I came in this morning and there was red paint all over the windows. We cleaned the windows this afternoon and we are still open – it’s business as usual.”

She said the attack had been reported to police who are now investigating.

The Ahava store has been the scene of regular anti-Israel demonstrations. Neighbouring shopkeepers have repeatedly called police as protestors have driven customers away and disrupted business in the busy shopping area.

Demonstrators claim Ahava acts unlawfully by labelling its products “Made in Israel” when they are made in Mitzpe Shalem, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

A fortnight ago four people were acquitted of chaining themselves inside the store.